B.C. Ferries mulls changes in terminal revamp

Travellers could find themselves enjoying a waterfront boardwalk and park along with an expanded foot-passenger building when they head to Swartz Bay ferry terminal in the not-too-distant future. The ideas have been highlighted as part of a public-consultation effort in preparation for a major, multi-year revamp at Swartz Bay.

B.C. Ferries wants to upgrade the terminal so that it can handle more traffic and to make it “a more efficient and pleasurable experience for customers.”

“We don’t expect construction for the new terminal to begin until about 2021,” said B.C. Ferries spokeswoman Tessa Humphries. She said there is no cost estimate so far.

B.C. Ferries sought suggestions in Phase 1 of its public consultation and produced design concepts based on those suggestions in Phase 2. It’s now heading to Phase 3, which will see more detailed plans developed by the end of the year.

The park is envisioned as a spot with amenities such as a covered market, coffee kiosk and food trucks. There was support for adding a boardwalk.

“Looks like a nice space for everyone including pets and wheelchairs,” one person wrote to B.C. Ferries. Another suggested covered seating for hot or rainy weather.

More than 500 people have given their opinions, participating online, at pop-up events and at stakeholder and employee workshops.

While Phase 3 will produce a development proposal, “it is important to note that that concept, when it’s released, is still a draft,” Humphries said. “It’s not a final plan. We need to move into the detailed design portion of terminal redevelopment, which will have further public engagement, before we actually start on construction and final design.” jwbell@timescolonist.com