For Immediate Release
May 1, 2025

BC Ferries advances construction, introduces customer-focused improvements for Horseshoe Bay

VICTORIA, BC – BC Ferries is advancing critical infrastructure renewal at the Horseshoe Bay terminal, with planning and procurement underway and the first major phase of construction set to begin this fall. As work ramps up, the focus remains clear: deliver essential infrastructure renewal while minimizing disruptions for customers and surrounding communities.

“Every element of this project is being thoughtfully planned to safeguard the customer experience and ensure the safety of both our customers and crew as we renew our infrastructure at this critical terminal,” said Melanie Lucia, Vice President of Customer Experience. “We recognize that construction brings challenges, which is why we’re acting early and taking proactive steps to minimize disruption and maintain reliable service throughout the transition.”

Starting in the fall major construction activities will take place at the terminal, including the deconstruction of the elevated concrete holding area and the relocation of the terminal’s traffic operations centre or control tower. During this phase of work, vehicle space inside the terminal is expected to be reduced by approximately 25%, with overall vehicle space to remain below current levels for several years as construction progresses.

To support smoother travel this summer and to prepare for the upcoming construction phase, BC Ferries is introducing several customer-focused changes:

• Starting in mid-May, select sailings on the Queen of Capilano between Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island (Route 8) will see increased passenger capacity, with the vessel now licensed to carry up to 600 passengers and crew—a boost of approximately 150 people. This added capacity will help ease demand during peak periods, keep foot traffic flowing more smoothly through the terminal, and provide greater flexibility for customers.
• Beginning this fall, a pre-booking only model will be introduced for all vehicles travelling from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay, with drive-up fare options no longer available. A portion of vessel deck space will continue to be available for emergency responders and passengers with Medical Assured Loading. This change applies to one direction only and is designed to prevent traffic from backing up onto the highway, keeping customers and staff safe, and supporting better traffic flow through the terminal during construction. Vehicle pre-bookings are recommended but not required for the return trip from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay, and foot passengers can continue to travel in both directions without a reservation.
• BC Ferries is adding more travel options for customers travelling between the Lower Mainland and Nanaimo. In addition to our existing Route 30 sailings between Tsawwassen and Duke Point, we’re introducing a new 4:30pm direct sailing starting June 19 from Tsawwassen to Departure Bay every evening. For transit customers, Departure Bay provides better transit links for foot passengers and easy access to central Nanaimo and beyond. This sailing also gives customers more flexibility and helps spread demand across the system by offering alternative routes with available capacity. We’ll also continue to explore other opportunities to meet growing travel needs where we can.
• BC Ferries is developing digital twin technology to simulate how traffic will move through the terminal during each phase of construction—taking into account peak periods, safety considerations, and limited holding space. This advanced modelling tool is used by other major transportation providers – like the Vancouver Airport Authority – and will allow the team to test different scenarios, plan effectively, and make informed decisions that help maintain a smooth and safe customer experience throughout the project.

Further details around the shift to a pre-booking model on the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route are in development and will include targeted engagement with communities through our new community engagement framework model, Let’s Connect, a more inclusive, accessible, and transparent approach to public input. Specifically, work is underway to consider any changes to pricing, check-in and booking timelines, assured loading travel, and overall Horseshoe Bay route schedules that may be required to help support this change and manage traffic moving through the terminal.

The need for change is clear. Over the Easter long weekend, the limitations of the Horseshoe Bay terminal were evident, with high traffic volumes and congestion putting pressure on local communities, police, and road and customer safety, contributing to a negative customer experience for passengers trying to travel through this terminal to their final destination. These challenges aren’t new – but we are actively developing solutions to address these challenges.

"Planning and procurement work is now underway with major upgrades scheduled in the fall following the busy summer peak season,” said Stephen Jones, Vice President, Engineering. “A dedicated team is in place to deliver these projects on time and on budget, ensuring cost-effective investments in the terminal’s future, with careful planning to ensure we maintain service, minimize disruptions, and deliver a safer, more reliable experience both during construction and well into the future. These upgrades are essential to supporting long-term growth while meeting the needs of customers today.”

First announced in February, this project is part of a broader plan to improve safety, efficiency, and reliability at one of BC Ferries’ busiest and most operationally complex terminals – a site challenged by its small footprint, limited vehicle space, and lack of flexibility to accommodate growing demand.

The Horseshoe Bay terminal renewal is part of BC Ferries’ long-term strategy to modernize its aging and essential infrastructure and meet the evolving needs of coastal communities. These upgrades are about more than infrastructure — they’re about strengthening the future of ferry travel for everyone who depends on it.

For more information on this project, please visit www.bcferriesprojects.ca.
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Email: media@bcferries.com
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