Artistic Rendering of Belleville Terminal. Photo Credit: Province of BC
VICTORIA – The BC Government announced that major construction will soon begin on the new ferry terminal in downtown Victoria. The $304-million design-build contract was awarded to Pomerleau Inc.
The project, scheduled to begin at the end of June, involves the demolition of the current Clipper terminal, the construction of a pre-clearance terminal building with improved border-security, and the replacement of the wharf facilities as well as building a new commercial goods processing facility. Preliminary site work will be done in June and full-scale construction on the terminal will launch later this summer.
The new pre-clearance terminal will align with the Canada-U.S. Land, Rail, Marine and Air Transport Preclearance Agreement and enable passengers to complete customs and immigration formalities
“With 30 years of dedicated advocacy for Belleville terminal’s redevelopment, our organization, as the region’s tourism board, values the steady progress being made. We recognize the importance of this project and are encouraged by the federal government’s increased investment. Clear dates and timelines remain a priority for our members, and we look forward to the significant benefits this project will bring to Greater Victoria’s visitor economy once complete,” stated Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria.
Pomerleau Inc. secured the contract through competitive request-for-qualifications and request-for-proposals process. Since the initial approval of the project budget of $331 million in 2024, costs have risen to $416 million. The increase is attributed to challenging geotechnical and seismic conditions, site limitations, and the discovery of extensive soil contamination requiring major remediation.
The federal government ahs confirmed it will raise its contribution to over $45 million to help cover the updated project cost.
The terminal is anticipated to be completed by 2028.
“The chamber has been an outspoken proponent for modernizing Belleville terminal for decades, and we’re happy to see the project meet new milestones along its way to completion. With so much uncertainty affecting the economy, we support this project as an important investment in the future of Greater Victoria and as a confirmation of the value the Clipper and Coho bring to our region,” added Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
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