Milestone reached at new ferry terminal in Victoria’s inner harbour

March 13, 2025

VICTORIA – 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.

Learn More:

Visit the Belleville Project website for latest updates: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/bellevilleterminal

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Ministry of Transportation and Transit
Media Relations
250 356-8241

BACKGROUNDER

Marianne Alto, mayor, Victoria –

“This represents a major step toward building a world-class, sustainable gateway to our city. The new terminal will strengthen our economy, enhance accessibility and create a welcoming experience that reflects Victoria’s values.”

Bruce Williams, CEO, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce –

“The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce began the advocacy for a new Belleville terminal a generation ago, and seeing Phase 1 through to completion is a testament to the work of chamber staff over the decades. Belleville terminal is a gateway to Canada and can be the first experience international visitors have with our region. We’re grateful for the provincial government’s investment and its commitment to deliver the modern border crossing Greater Victoria deserves.”

Paul Nursey, CEO, Destination Greater Victoria –

“As the region’s official tourism board, the redevelopment of Belleville terminal has been our top advocacy file for the last 30 years. We’re delighted by the project’s progress and eagerly anticipate its completion, as we expect it will significantly enhance Greater Victoria’s visitor economy once operational.”

Councillor Alicia Thomas, Esquimalt Nation –

“Esquimalt Nation supports the Belleville terminal redevelopment, which takes place on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen-speaking people. This project is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between our Nation, Songhees Nation and the Province, while creating cultural and economic benefits for our community. We appreciate the Province’s commitment to working with Indigenous communities and ensuring our voices are heard. By integrating Indigenous perspectives, this project can be a meaningful step toward reconciliation and self-determination.”

Songhees Nation –

“The Songhees Nation is proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit on the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project, ensuring our voices and perspectives are reflected in this important initiative. This partnership represents a meaningful step toward honouring our deep connection to these lands and waters while supporting economic and cultural opportunities for our people. We look forward to working together to create a gateway that respects the strengthening of intergovernmental relationships and benefits future generations for all.”

Contact:

Ministry of Transportation and Transit
Media Relations
250 356-8241

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