FAQs

Upgrades are taking place at Swartz Bay terminal from summer 2024 into summer 2025, at the Lands End Terminal Building and at Berth 5.

Berth 5 is being modified to accommodate the Salish Class vessels that service Southern Gulf Island routes. This work will help reduce berth congestion in Swartz Bay, improving on-time performance and the overall customer experience.

The Lands End Terminal Building is undergoing upgrades to the roof and HVAC system as well as refreshing the exterior, all of which contribute to an updated and more energy efficient building.

While you might hear some noise from the construction at the Lands End Terminal building and at Berth 5, we do not expect impacts to sailings or to our customers accessing the Lands End building. The Lands End Café and the summertime marketplace will continue to operate during this time.

The work on Berth 5 involves pile-driving, periodic underwater blasts and dredging of rock and soft sediments. This can cause significant noise. We thank you for your patience as we complete this work.

Underwater blasting is required to fracture bedrock before it can be removed to increase the water depth. This is necessary to accommodate the Salish Class vessels that help service the Southern Gulf Islands.

BC Ferries is committed to protecting marine life and is taking responsible measures to mitigate risks to aquatic life. We are strictly following all government regulations, guidelines, and best practices laid out by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

Environmental protection

• Marine invertebrate: BC Ferries will collect and relocate marine invertebrates (e.g., crabs, sea urchins, starfish etc.) from the blast area prior to blasting.
• Marine mammal exclusion zones: BC Ferries will not blast if any marine mammals are within a 100-meters distance of the blasting area, or if a whale, dolphin, or porpoise is within 1800-meters. Multiple dedicated Marine Mammal Observers will be positioned off Swartz Bay to watch for mammals. 
• Bubble curtain cushioning: BC Ferries will surround the immediate location with an underwater curtain of air bubbles, reducing the underwater noise and shockwave generated by the blast. 
• Full-time Environmental Monitoring: BC Ferries will have full-time Environmental Monitors to ensure that work takes place in accordance with federal and provincial regulations and so that we are operating under best management practices.
• Enhancing habitat: To further support environmental integrity, we will create a new habitat compensation reef at Long Harbour, Salt Spring Island, using the blasted rock from Swartz Bay.

The long-term benefits of the project include improved ferry services and a more energy efficient terminal building. While there will be elevated noise and increased activity during the construction period, we are working to minimize any disruption and thank you for your patience during this time.

Safety is our top priority. All construction activities are being carried out following stringent safety protocols to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and crews.

The planning process for these upgrade projects involved extensive community outreach and consultation to ensure that stakeholder input was considered. BC Ferries engaged with local communities, environmental groups, and other stakeholders to gather feedback and address concerns throughout the planning stages. This collaborative approach was crucial in shaping the project to meet both operational needs and community expectations.