Two dolphins will soon greet cruise ship passengers as they approach Victoria via Ogden Point.
The ministry of infrastructure and communities announced on Nov. 28 that it is partnering with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority to fund an extension project at the port, adding more than 55 metres to increase room for larger vessels.
READ MORE: Greater Victoria Harbour Authority putting $7 million into pier investments
“Expanding the dolphin wharf at Victoria harbour’s Ogden Point Cruise Terminal will help Vancouver Island continue to thrive as a top destination for tourists and businesses alike while creating jobs and new economic opportunities for residents,” Marco Mendicino, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, said in a press release.
The federal government is pitching in nearly $2 million, while the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority will contribute $4,926,132, making up the $6.8 million total.
Last season, the largest cruise ship vessel to visit Vancouver Island docked at Ogden Point. The Norweigen Bliss — at 994 feet long and weighing in at 169,028 tonnes — could carry more than 4,200 passengers.
Work on the project began in October and is expected to be complete in time for the 2019 cruise ship season in April.
READ MORE: Ogden Point hosts largest cruise ship to ever come to the Island
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