Concepts for the upgrades at the Swartz Bay Terminal (BC Ferries)
An expanded foot passenger building, a waterfront boardwalk and a larger berth are just some of the ideas laid out in the Swartz Bay Terminal Development Plan released Tuesday.
The plan outlines a 25-year vision for the future of the terminal. It was put together after BC Ferries collected input from more than 1,000 people last spring. The company also held another round of engagement in September.
“We heard some great ideas about the future of Swartz Bay terminal from customers and the community during this engagement process,” Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ vice president, strategy
and community engagement, said in a statement.
“We’ve taken that feedback, and where we could, incorporated it into the long-term plan. It’s important to take into account a variety of different modes of transportation, especially looking ahead for the next 25 years, and suggestions like a cycling route would improve our customers’ experience.”
According to BC Ferries, around 7.5 million passengers pass through Swartz Bay each year.
In the plan, the first priority is upgrading the road leading in and out of the pick-up and drop-off zone.
The later priorities include expanding the foot passenger area and outdoor area. The outdoor area would include a waterfront boardwalk with green space and the foot passenger area would have more concessions, a play area and a balcony, along with additional space to wait.
A concept sketch for the terminal building. (BC Ferries)
The cafeteria would be rebuilt with a rooftop patio area.
A sketch of the Lands End Concession Building concept. (BC Ferries)
The first phase of the development plan is expected to start in early 2020, with a focus on improving road access, parking and pick-up drop areas. BC Ferries has allocated funds in its 12-year Capital Plan (fiscal 2019 through 2030) to support those improvements. Other improvements to the terminal, including passenger buildings and amenities, will be considered within future capital plans.
BC Ferries employees will be at the Swartz Bay terminal April 10 to 13 to share the plan with passengers.
The Swartz Bay Terminal Development Plan can be read below:
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