The BC government has just announced that construction will begin this summer on the long-awaited, new Belleville ferry terminal.
In the coming week, by the end of June, the Province says that early work will begin, with major construction taking place later this summer.
Once complete, the new-and-improved Belleville terminal will provide a more comfortable and seamless experience for those travelling to and from downtown Victoria by ferry.
“The new Belleville terminal will provide a smoother and more secure travel experience for tourists coming to Victoria and the south Island, supporting local jobs, businesses and our region’s economy,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit.
“A modern ferry terminal has been a goal of the community and all levels of government for over two decades. This major milestone brings us another step closer to offering improved ferry services and more convenient travel for decades to come.”
The scope of work on this project will involve demolishing the existing Clipper terminal infrastructure and building a new pre-clearance terminal building with more modern border-security standards.
Furthermore, the project will see to the replacement of aging wharf facilities and building a new commercial goods processing facility.
“As an international gateway for goods, services and tourism, enhancing safety, security and trade between Vancouver Island and Washington state is integral to Canada’s economy,” said Will Greaves, MP for Victoria.
“Our government looks forward to the construction of the pre-clearance terminal and commercial goods processing facility, which will strengthen our commitment to a sustainable economy and support local tourism in Greater Victoria.”
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The overall project cost has increased from the $331 million budget that was approved in 2024, to a now-$416 million cost, due to “complex geotechnical and seismic conditions, site constraints and significant soil contamination that will require extensive remediation,” according to the Province.
Additional factors that led to the increased estimated cost are inflation and safeguarding against economic uncertainty related to tariffs imposed by the United States.
The federal government will be chipping in over $45 million for the project to aid with the inflated construction cost.
According to the Province, the project is expected to be completed in 2028.
