BC Ferries planning world-class hub upgrade for Horseshoe Bay terminal (RENDERINGS)

Sep 19 2019, 7:07 pm

BC Ferries is now seeking public feedback on its detailed draft master plan that will completely transform the Horseshoe Bay terminal into a world-class transportation hub.

The rebuild of the major terminal, the third-largest ferry terminal in the provincial ferry system, located at the western edge of West Vancouver, is proposed to occur in two separate phases over the coming years. A very preliminary estimate pegged the cost of the project at $250 million, but this is subject to final approvals.

bc ferries

Existing condition of BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay Terminal in West Vancouver. (Shutterstock)

The ferry corporation says the expansion and upgrades are necessary to meet the growing capacity needs of the terminal, and to replace ageing infrastructure that has not been replaced since the 1960s.

Phase One focuses on interim upgrades that improve the efficiency and functionality of the terminal’s existing infrastructure, while Phase Two will be the longer-term overhaul of the facility.

Both phases will also aim to better integrate the terminal with Horseshoe Bay Village and the waterfront park, and allow for future flexibility that enables the terminal to adapt to new emerging technologies and conditions, such as ridehailing, autonomous vehicles, more public transit riders, and new safety and security measures, including the possible future addition of security screening.

Phase One interim upgrades

The first phase of improvements include a new indoor waiting area for foot passengers that provides comfortable seating and wide-open views of the bay, and a new canopy for passengers waiting outside.

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal

Phase 1 upgrade for BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal. (BC Ferries)

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal

Phase 1 upgrade for BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal. (BC Ferries)

An additional storey on the terminal building to provide expanded administrative space and a new control tower. The berths will also be realigned to improve the process of loading and unloading passengers and vehicles.

For vehicle traffic, the upgrades entail upgrades to the holding area, the addition of a second exit road, and a new exit from Keith Road onto Highway 1/99. A green wall would also be installed as an improved noise mitigation measure.

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal

Phase 1 upgrade for BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal. (BC Ferries)

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal

Phase 1 upgrade for BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal. (BC Ferries)

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal

Phase 1 upgrade for BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal: Blue – New berth structures; Tan – Elevated vehicle holding area; Red – Future terminal building (Phase 2); Green – Underground parkade (as exists today). (BC Ferries)

Phase Two terminal overhaul

In the longer-term second phase of Horseshoe Bay terminal upgrades, the entire facility will be completely rebuilt.

This includes a new significant terminal building that enhances the passenger experience, designed with West Coast architecture and a green roof, and integrated with the village. The new building will take over much of the footprint of the existing ground-level parking lot.

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal

Phase 2 upgrade for BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal. (BC Ferries)

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal

Phase 2 upgrade for BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal. (BC Ferries)

New retail and restaurant spaces could be incorporated to provide passengers with more options and to help activate the terminal and the surrounding area.

A multi-modal transportation hub is envisioned adjacent to the terminal building, complete with a number of bays for public transit buses and the relocation of ground-level parking to a new underground parking structure.

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal

Phase 2 upgrade for BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal. (BC Ferries)

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal

Phase 2 upgrade for BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal. (BC Ferries)

Underground parking will also entail dedicated space for taxi and ridehailing pick-up and drop-off bays. Facilities for cyclists will also see improvement.

A public plaza space is planned outside the terminal building to provide a new area for gatherings and community events. The public realm effort also integrates a waterfront park with the terminal facilities, including the measure of closing the end of Bay Street to traffic.

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal

Phase 2 upgrade for BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal. (BC Ferries)

Other design considerations allow passengers arriving by private vehicle to be able to enjoy the village and support local businesses while they wait.

Phase Two aims to enforce a new sense of arrival and place at Horseshoe Bay terminal.

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal

Phase 2 upgrade for BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal. (BC Ferries)

The overhaul of Horseshoe Bay terminal is one of the largest components of BC Ferries’ 12-year, $3.9-billion plan of upgrading its ferry terminals and replacing ageing vessels.

A dozen terminals are envisioned to see major upgrades, including the busy terminals at Swartz Bay and Nanaimo Harbour.

The online survey on the Horseshoe Bay terminal master plan will be open until October 13. Detailed design on the Horseshoe Bay project will be conducted over the next two to four years, and construction on the first phase could begin in five years.

BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal

Phase 2 upgrade for BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal. (BC Ferries)

Kenneth ChanKenneth Chan

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