Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project - Project Overview

Learn about current status, project scope, schedule, cost, purpose and context.

On June 30, 2023, the Province announced the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project. The project team commenced Phase 1 construction in March 2024, with the following contracts awarded:

• Phase I Steamship Temporary Terminal was awarded to Willow Spring Construction Ltd - Ongoing
• Phase I Wharf Modifications was awarded to Pacific Industrial & Marine Ltd - Complete

The project is also advancing towards the Phase II permanent upgrades to the terminal. The shortlist proponents of qualified teams invited to participate in a request for proposal (RFP) includes:

• EllisDon Corporation,
• Kiewit Bird Belleville Partnership, and
• Pomerleau Inc.

Scope

Phase 1 Scope:

• Modifications and expansion of the Steamship wharf to temporarily accommodate the Clipper vessel.
• Modifications and construction of a temporary addition to the lower level of the Steamship building to provide a temporary terminal for Clipper.
• Construction of a temporary covered walkway between the Black Ball and the Steamship buildings to accommodate Clipper passengers.
• Modifications to the Steamship building to provide a temporary administration space for US Customs and Border Protection.
• Modifications to the Black Ball building to accommodate Canadian Border Services Agency operations.

Above: Rendering of temporary Steamship building terminal

What to expect during Phase 1:

• Closed pedestrian access along the causeway behind the Steamship building.  
• Addition of a large temporary structure behind the Steamship building. 
• Some noise due to construction work to modify the Steamship wharf and Steamship building.  
• No impact to current Clipper and Coho Ferry sailings. 

Phase 2 Scope:

• Demolition of existing Clipper terminal infrastructure
• Construction of a new pre-clearance terminal building with modern border security standard
• Replacement of ageing wharf facilities
• Construction of a new commercial goods processing facility
• New accessible terminal building supporting CleanBC with the following criteria:
  • LEED® Gold certification and the Province’s Environmental Stewardship Policy standards will be the minimum requirements for the Project; and
  • the Terminal will be an all-electric facility, incorporating minimum energy usage and carbon emission targets.

Schedule

Phase 1: Construction began in March 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in fall 2024.

Phase 2: Demolition of the existing Clipper terminal facilities and construction of the new Belleville Terminal begins in 2025 and is scheduled to be operational in 2028.

Cost

The project has an approved budget of $303.9 million.

Purpose

• Provide a safe and secure, modern, inclusive port of entry and terminal facility that will meet obligations under the Canada-US Land, Rail, Marine, and Air Transport Preclearance Agreement (LRMA)
• Provide a terminal facility that responds to current and long term operational and environmental requirements
• Create a transportation gateway and welcoming port of entry that continues to drive the economy and supports the social and cultural values of the people of British Columbia and Canada 

Policy Objectives

• Invest in a sustainable economy
• Support tourism, arts, culture and sport sectors
• Help BC businesses access international markets and attract international investment to the Province
• Foster stronger ties across the Pacific Northwest (Cascadia Innovation Corridor)
• Support and advance true and lasting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
• Facilitate an environment of accessibility and inclusivity to reflect the diversity of British Columbians and international terminal users

Context

Belleville Ferry Terminal is a provincially owned, privately operated international marine vehicle and passenger terminal in Victoria, British Columbia. It provides cross-border transportation services between Vancouver Island and Washington State. This terminal serves as an important international goods and services gateway for Canada, British Columbia, and the Vancouver Island region. In 2019, it supported approximately 2,200 jobs, processed more than 680,000 travellers and provided significant tourism and economic benefits.