BC Ferries announces major changes at Horseshoe Bay terminal as critical overhaul nears
BC Ferries is alerting travellers to expect several major changes at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver ahead of an extensive retrofit set to start this fall.
The project is focused on upgrading the terminal’s critical facilities and infrastructure, including upgrading or replacing all three berths, upgrading aging elevated structures, and improving seismic performance and operational efficiency.
BC Ferries stated that it will do everything possible to minimize disruptions for customers and the surrounding communities, including introducing a pre-booking only model on one of its busiest routes from Horseshoe Bay.
BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
“Every element of this project is being thoughtfully planned to safeguard the customer experience and ensure the safety of both our customers and crew as we renew our infrastructure at this critical terminal,” said Melanie Lucia, vice president of customer experience, in a release.
“We recognize that construction brings challenges, which is why we’re acting early and taking proactive steps to minimize disruption and maintain reliable service throughout the transition.”
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Construction is slated to begin this fall and continue into the spring of next year, including the deconstruction of the elevated concrete holding area, as well as the relocation of the Horseshoe Bay Terminal’s traffic operations centre or control tower.
Vehicle space inside the terminal is expected to be reduced by approximately 25 per cent, with overall vehicle space remaining below current levels for several years during the construction.
BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay Terminal in West Vancouver. (EB Adventure Photography/Shutterstock)
BC Ferries is preparing for the construction phase and supporting smoother travel this summer by implementing several “customer-focused changes.” This includes introducing a pre-booking only model for all vehicles travelling from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay. Drive-up fare options will no longer be available for the route.
The change applies to one direction only, as vehicle pre-bookings are recommended but not required for the return trip from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay. Foot passengers are also able to travel in both directions without a reservation.
“This change is designed to prevent traffic from backing up onto the highway, keeping customers and staff safe, and supporting better traffic flow through the terminal during construction,” said BC Ferries in a statement. “A portion of vessel deck space will continue to be available for emergency responders and passengers with Medical Assured Loading.”
Other planned changes at Horseshoe Bay Terminal include:
- Increased passenger capacity on the Queen of Capilano between Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island starting in mid-May.
- The launch of a new daily 4:30 p.m. direct sailing from Tsawwassen to Departure Bay starting on June 19
Queen of Surrey at BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal (Shutterstock)
BC Ferries is also developing digital twin technology to help simulate traffic patterns through the terminal during each construction phase. The state-of-the-art modelling tool takes into account peak periods, safety considerations, and limited holding space, allowing BC Ferries to test different scenarios while continuing the project.
BC Ferries conducted public consultations on the project in 2019, but further progress was delayed due to the pandemic.
Work on the Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal overhaul is expected to take several years and will incur an unspecified construction cost in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
BC Ferries has yet to reveal the precise final design of the terminal overhaul, but it is stated that the upgrades will streamline vehicle traffic flow and loading and increase berth flexibility, enabling the terminal to accommodate more types of vessels and operate more efficiently within the existing site constraints.
With files from Kenneth Chan
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