Horseshoe Bay overhaul

Photo: BC Ferries

BC Ferries is considering a revamp of its Horsehoe Bay terminal as well as extensive blasting to facilitate a second exit road.

The proposed changes, still subject to change, were presented to West Vancouver council Monday evening by BC Ferries terminal development manager Brian Green.

Approximately 1.4 million cars and 3.7 million passengers move through the terminal each year, Green said.

“The terminal is reaching capacity,” he noted.

The long-term plan is to create: “a transportation and community hub” that would integrate into Horseshoe Bay. Ideally, construction will begin within five years.

Plans include a second exit that would allow two vessels to load and unload simultaneously.

The second exit road is “crucial,” Green continued, noting Horseshoe Bay is one of the few multi-route terminals without one.

Other possible changes include adding an extra storey on the terminal building to facilitate “expanded administrative space” and a new control tower. The terminal would also connect to the Spirit Trail and provide two levels of underground parking with pickup and drop-off spots.

The new terminal would incorporate public space, Green said, “rather than the terminal turning its back onto the village.” To further that aim, BC Ferries is proposing to close the end of Bay Street to “create that seamless transition between the park space and the terminal,” Green said.

BC Ferries employs 500 workers at the terminal, most of whom work on the ferries.