The BC government announced that the redevelopment of the Belleville terminal will be getting underway immediately.
The project will be spread out over a few phases to avoid impeding the operations of the ferry terminal, which is a critical piece of infrastructure for sustaining Victoria’s tourism sector, according to the Province.
Willow Spring Construction Ltd. is a Surrey-based company who have been awarded the contract to take on phase one of this endeavour at the terminal itself while Pacific Industrial & Marine Ltd. in Cowichan Bay will begin offsite work on wharf improvements.
The Province says that phase one will be complete in fall of this year.
“This terminal represents a critical trade junction for our region and the country as a whole,” said Rob Fleming, BC Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“Moving forward with this project to transform it into an improved, modern entry point will not only generate economic growth on both sides of the border, it will make travel more convenient and enjoyable for the people travelling through this hub every year.”
The Province says that during the first phase of construction, pedestrian access along the causeway behind the Steamship building will be closed to pedestrians.
In addition to this a large temporary structure will be erected behind the terminal come spring.
During construction, there should be no impact to Clipper and Coho ferry sailing schedules, according to BC.
“We are thrilled to see this project advancing as the redevelopment of the terminal has been our number 1 priority for the last three decades,” said Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria.
“This is an act of future-proofing our region, our businesses and our relationships with visitors from the US, and it keeps Greater Victoria looking like the remarkable destination it truly is.”
The Province says that travellers coming through the city spend approximately $174 million annually and the Belleville terminal is a cornerstone tourist access point.
According to BC, the project is expected to be complete in time for the 2028 tourism season.
The total budget for this project is $303.9 million being contributed by the Province, while $41.6 million is being contributed by the federal government.
BC says they are working with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations to identify opportunities to showcase significance of the project’s location and welcome visitors into Lekwungen territory.
