Village Bay Project Introduction

BC Ferries is planning necessary infrastructure upgrades at the Village Bay Terminal, a key hub connecting the Southern Gulf Islands. The terminal’s main marine structures are reaching the end of their service life, resulting in operational, and maintenance concerns. This project will not only extend the life of these critical components but also ensure the terminal is ready to support a new class of vessels that will be introduced on this route in the coming years.

What’s Happening

As part of the life extension project, key berth components will be reviewed and replaced, including:

• Vehicle ramp replacement
• Ramp abutment and batter piles replacement and repairs
• Abutment apron and hinges
• Skirt plates and finger joint coatings
• Ramp tower

These upgrades are essential for maintaining safe and reliable operations at the terminal and for preparing Village Bay for future vessel deployment.

Construction Timeline

Construction is expected to last approximately three months, with up to eight weeks of full berth closure for berth one. During this time the following will be completed:

• Removal of aging structures
• Installation of new infrastructure
• Ramp tower upgrades and associated works

What to expect during project work

We understand how vital ferry service is to everyday life in the Southern Gulf Islands — whether it’s getting to medical appointments, accessing supplies, or simply staying connected with loved ones. We know that any change to service can be disruptive, and that’s why we’re doing everything we can to limit the impact of this necessary work through careful planning and coordination.

To reduce impacts on customers and the ferry network:

• Berth closures are scheduled for January–February, when traffic is typically lower, to help minimize inconvenience
• During the closure, Berth Two will remain in service to ensure essential ferry service continues
• Connections for Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen, which see the highest volumes of travel, have been maintained when and where possible
• Some inter-island transfer routes may be adjusted or involve slightly longer travel time

We are committed to keeping the community informed and supported throughout this project and thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. Your feedback is important as we continue to refine our approach.

BC Ferries is working closely with internal operations teams and the fleet to establish detailed sailing schedules and docking sequences to help maintain service reliability during the upgrade period.