Construction begins this summer for a new ferry terminal in downtown Victoria, aimed at providing a more comfortable and seamless experience for those travelling to and from downtown by ferry.
Early work on the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project is set to begin by the end of June, with major construction beginning later in the summer. The project is expected to be complete in 2028.
Pomerleau Inc. was awarded a $304-million design-build contract through competitive request-for-qualifications and request-for-proposal processes.
"The new Belleville terminal will provide a smoother and more secure travel experience for tourists coming to Victoria and the South Island, supporting local jobs, businesses and our region's economy," said Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth.
The project, which also aims to enhance travel, security and trade between Vancouver Island and Washington state, has been a goal of the community and "all levels of government for over two decades," he added.
Construction involves demolishing the existing Clipper terminal infrastructure and building a new pre-clearance terminal building with modern border-security standards. It also includes replacing aging wharf facilities and creating a new commercial goods processing facility, which Victoria MP Will Greaves said will strengthen trade and travel opportunities.
"As an international gateway for goods, services and tourism, enhancing safety, security and trade between Vancouver Island and Washington state is integral to Canada's economy," Greaves said in a press release. "[The project] will strengthen our commitment to a sustainable economy and support local tourism in Greater Victoria."
At the new pre-clearance terminal, passengers can complete the customs and immigration process in Victoria before disembarking in the U.S., making travel faster and easier, the province said in a press release.
The overall project cost has increased to $416 million from the $331 million budget approved in 2024, due to complex geotechnical and seismic conditions, site constraints and significant soil contamination that will require extensive remediation, the news release said.
Other factors include inflation and safeguarding against economic uncertainty related to tariffs on steel and other products.
The federal government will increase its contribution to more than $45 million for the project.
Improvements done during Phase 1 of the project, which included the expansion and reconfiguration of the Steamship Wharf and enhancements to the Black Ball building and property, were designed to ensure uninterrupted ferry service between Vancouver Island and Washington state during the next stage of construction.
Both Bruce Williams, CEO of Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria, recognized the importance of the project. Williams called it an "important investment in the future of Greater Victoria" that confirms the "value the Clipper and Coho bring to our region", and Nursey said DGA has dedicated 30 years of advocacy for the terminal's redevelopment.
The province said that the project team is working with both Esquimalt Nation and Songhees Nation as the project takes place within the territories of the lək̓wəŋən (Lekwungen) people.
Updates can be found on the Belleville project website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/bellevilleterminal.
