Phase 1 of Bellville Terminal work now complete

Key Takeaways:

• Phase 1 of the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project is complete, enabling uninterrupted ferry service while laying the groundwork for a new pre-clearance terminal that will enhance trade, travel, and security between Vancouver Island and Washington state.
• Phase 2, starting in spring 2025, will involve demolishing existing infrastructure, constructing a state-of-the-art pre-clearance terminal, upgrading wharf facilities, and adding a commercial goods processing facility, with completion targeted for the 2028 tourism season.
• The new terminal will aim for LEED Gold and Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification, ensuring energy efficiency and full accessibility. Additionally, the project will honor local Indigenous heritage by collaborating with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations to highlight the cultural significance of Lekwungen territory.

The Whole Story:

Phase 1 work at the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project is complete, marking a significant step toward the construction of a new, state-of-the-art pre-clearance terminal building for Victoria’s inner harbour.

“We are one phase away from having a new Belleville terminal, with the first phase of redevelopment now officially complete,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “This project is a key milestone for Greater Victoria, strengthening trade, travel and tourism by serving as a vital transportation gateway for goods and people. It also meets modern security standards, enhancing safety and efficiency while supporting the region’s continued growth for decades to come.”

Phase 1 of the Belleville redevelopment began in March 2024 and included modifications to the Steamship Wharf and the building of a temporary terminal within the Steamship building to house FRS Clipper and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The temporary terminal enables ferry service to continue uninterrupted between Vancouver Island and Washington state during construction of the new terminal.

“The completion of the first phase of the project lays the groundwork for new terminal facilities that will secure our Canada-U.S. border, improve travel convenience and help drive the regional economy,” said Mike Farnworth, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Transit. “This has been discussed for decades and has broad support locally and across the business and tourism communities.”

With Phase 1 complete, Phase 2 of the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project is scheduled to start in spring 2025. Phase 2 includes the demolition of existing Clipper terminal infrastructure and the construction of a new pre-clearance terminal building with modern border security standards.

The new pre-clearance terminal will comply with the Canada-U.S. Land, Rail, Marine and Air Transport Pre-clearance Agreement, and will make travel faster and easier by allowing passengers to complete the customs and immigration process in Victoria prior to disembarking in the U.S. Phase 2 also includes the replacement of aging wharf facilities and construction of a new commercial goods processing facility.

Through competitive request-for-qualifications and request-for-proposals processes, the Province is working with the Phase 2 design-build proponent and anticipates finalizing contract details in the coming months.

The project is expected to be complete in time for the 2028 tourism season.

Quick Facts:

• The current Belleville terminal is an international gateway for goods, services and passengers and drives regional and provincial economic growth.
• Travellers spend approximately $174 million annually, generating $268 million in economic output and $155 million in provincial GDP.
• The new terminal will be built to LEED Gold certification as an all-electric facility, incorporating minimum energy usage and carbon emission targets, and achieve Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) as a fully accessible building.
• The Province is working collaboratively with the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation to identify opportunities to showcase the cultural and geographical significance of the project’s location and welcome visitors into Lekwungen territory.