Saturday, June 28, 2025
The Government of British Columbia announced that construction will begin this summer for the new ferry terminal in downtown Victoria, following the awarding of a design-build contract to Pomerleau Inc.
Early work will begin by the end of June with major construction of the new landmark terminal to begin later in the summer. Once complete, the new 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.”
Construction of the new facility will involve demolishing existing Clipper terminal infrastructure and building a new pre-clearance terminal building with modern border-security standards. It also includes replacing 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.”
The new pre-clearance terminal will comply with the Canada-U.S. Land, Rail, Marine and Air Transport Preclearance 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.
Through competitive request-for-qualifications and request-for-proposal processes, Pomerleau Inc. was awarded a $304-million design-build contract. The overall project cost has increased from the $331 million budget that was approved in 2024, due to complex geotechnical and seismic conditions, site constraints and significant soil contamination that will require extensive remediation. Other factors include inflation and safeguarding against economic uncertainty related to tariffs on steel and other products. The federal government has confirmed it will increase its contribution to more than $45 million for the project. The new cost of the project is $416 million.
“At Pomerleau, we believe great infrastructure builds great communities”, said Philippe Adam, President and Chief Executive Officer at Pomerleau. “The Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project is critical to the region and will provide a safe and secure modern port of entry – we are very proud to bring our technical expertise and collaborative approach to the table.”
Stantec will serve as the lead designer for Phase II of the project as part of the design-build team with Pomerleau. Stantec will be providing architectural, MEP, structural, civil, landscape, marine, environmental, climate resiliency, sustainability, and geotechnical services.
The project is expected to be completed in 2028.
Phase 1 of the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project is complete.
Key upgrades completed during Phase 1 include:
- the expansion and reconfiguration of the Steamship wharf;
- renovations and an expansion to the Steamship building; and,
- enhancements to the Black Ball building and property to ensure Clipper, Black Ball Ferry Line, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Canada Border Services Agency can continue operating during Phase 2 construction.
These improvements were designed to ensure uninterrupted ferry service between Vancouver Island and Washington state during the next stage of construction.
Featured image: (BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit )
