Looking ahead to the next 25 years, BC Ferries is asking for public feedback as it plans the future of the Swartz Bay terminal.
On Tuesday BC Ferries released their Swartz Bay terminal development plan, an insight into how they expect the next 25 years to look.
BC Ferries is seeking to share the plan with the community and to discuss the detailed designs for each phase with customers. They hope the community can help identify potential construction impacts and perhaps advise how they can be reduced.
Last spring, and again in September, BC Ferries launched an engagement process to collect community input on topics such as improved passenger buildings, amenities and operational facilities. More than 1,000 people shared their thoughts and helped BC Ferries identify several key considerations.
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“We heard some great ideas about the future of Swartz Bay terminal from customers and the community during this engagement process,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ vice president, strategy and community engagement. “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.”
Employees will be at the terminal from April 10 to 13 to provide information and to talk with customers. The company said some examples of previous customer feedback they incorporated in the plan includes the development of proposed cycling routes, thoughts on a waterfront park and improved circulation for the pick-up/drop-off areas.
Implementation for the Swartz Bay terminal development plan is spread across 25 years and will occur in phases. The first phase will start in the early 2020s, focusing on improving road access, parking and the pick-up/drop-off areas. BC Ferries see this phase as a key focus as they look to meet their operational goals.
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BC Ferries has allocated funds in its 12-year capital plan (fiscal 2019 through 2030) to support the priority improvements. Other improvements to the terminal, such as passenger buildings and amenities, will be looked at in future capital plans and implemented as funding becomes available.
BC Ferries noted all their terminal development plans are regularly reviewed to ensure they address the changing travel demands and needs of their customers.
For more information visit the Swartz Bay project page at bcferries.com/about/terminal-development-planning.
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