Welcome news for harbour

In the days of steamship travel, passengers arriving in Victoria disembarked at the CPR Steamship Terminal Building, which stood out elegantly in contrast to the industrial buildings and docks that surrounded the Inner Harbour.

Today, passengers arriving on the Clipper and MV Coho sail into a much different harbour, one that has become the region’s jewel, then disembark through the Belleville terminal, facilities that are something less than elegant.

Thursday’s announcement of the province’s commitment to rebuild the Belleville Street docks is a welcome sign that ocean-going passengers will eventually get a far better first impression of Victoria.

Transportation Minister Todd Stone announced the province has entered an agreement with Black Ball, which operates the Coho car ferry, and Clipper Navigation to fund a $17.4-million upgrade to the docks at the terminal.

It’s a relatively small step, but an important one, the first of three phases that will eventually see a new combined terminal at the site.

While ocean travel is not what it used to be, the two companies together bring about 750,000 people a year to Victoria. In addition, the Coho brings in $200 million to $300 million in freight each year.

The next two phases of the project will create a disembarkation point more in keeping with what the harbour has become, and the sooner that happens, the better.