BC Ferries reported yesterday on the second phase of public engagement recently completed to help shape future plans for Swartz Bay terminal. Phase 3 of the engagement program, revealing the proposed concept and gathering feedback, will begin in the coming months.
More than 500 people participated in Phase 2 of the engagement, which included pop-up events at the terminal, an online engagement, and stakeholder and employee workshops. BC Ferries presented draft concepts for the future of the terminal based on the key themes raised in Phase 1. Participants were asked about several ‘Big Moves’, or potential options for the terminal, including an expanded foot passenger building and waiting area, improved vehicle passenger amenities, improved pick-up and drop-off areas, and options for the waterfront area at the terminal.
Participants identified most concepts as meeting their needs well or very well, and noted a preference for a park in the waterfront area of the terminal, rather than a concession in that area. Preference for the concession was that it be included closer to the vehicle waiting area, as it is today. A summary report for Phase 2 is available at bcferries.com/swbvision.
The next step is to introduce customers and employees to the proposed concept for the terminal. BC Ferries expects the proposed plan will be ready later this year. When it is, the company will be hosting additional information sessions at Swartz Bay for customers, employees and community members.
Terminal redevelopment will take place over several years. Public engagement will continue as the terminal is designed and before construction of the new terminal, which is scheduled to begin in 2021.