Work begins on Belleville Terminal redevelopment

Contracts have been announced for construction on the Belleville Terminal redevelopment project, which will give our region a secure, modern pre-clearance terminal to act as an international gateway for goods, services and passengers.

Work will begin immediately on a temporary terminal, with estimated completion in fall 2024. Offsite work on a new wharf will begin soon near Cowichan Bay, before moving to the Inner Harbour this summer. The project is also advancing toward the Phase II permanent upgrades to the terminal.

“As a gateway to Canada, to British Columbia and to our region, Belleville Terminal serves as a vital connection point for trade and tourism. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has made the case for modernization for more than 20 years,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said when the province announced the redevelopment would begin this year. “I’m encouraged to see progress being made now. There is an urgency to ensure Belleville can continue to serve as an important border crossing and point of entry, and the time is now for this project to happen.”

During construction, pedestrians won’t have access to the causeway behind the Steamship building. There will be no impact to Clipper and Coho ferry sailings.

The upgrade brings the terminal into compliance with the Canada-U.S. Land, Rail, Marine and Air Transport Pre-clearance Agreement, and will streamline travel by allowing passengers to complete the customs and immigration process in Victoria prior to disembarking in the US. Visitors spend $174 million annually, generating $268 million in economic output and $155 million in provincial gross domestic product, according to the media release.

The project is expected to be complete in time for the 2028 tourism season, with a budget of $303.9 million and a $41.6-million federal contribution.