Nighttime noise levels at the tip of North Saanich could be a little higher than usual with work expected at the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
Residents of the area are already used to a added noise since upgrades to Berth 5 started this summer, with some night work in August.
The latest overnight work, expected Nov. 12 to 29, involves welding and a concrete pump truck. The work will occur once a week from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in alignment with bylaw exemptions approved by the District of North Saanich, the ferry corporation said in a service notice issued Nov. 5.
“The project has made significant progress over the past few months and efforts have been made to minimize evening and night work. However, to ensure we complete the project on time and reduce the impact to our neighbours, overnight work will be required,” the notice reads.
The upgrades are a response to Salish Class ferries regularly operating on the Southern Gulf Island routes, but unable to use Berth 5 due to a rock outcropping at its entrance and the build-up of sediment deposits. The project includes rock and sediment removal to allow deeper draft Salish vessels as well as new piles and fenders. Rock removal is more than 60 per cent complete, with that work on hold until Dec. 1.
The Berth 5 project is expected to finish in spring 2025.
Find updates online at bcferriesprojects.ca/swb-terminal-projects.
The adjacent Lands End Building is also getting some work done starting this month and set to finish in April 2025.
Those upgrades focus on improving energy efficiency and modernizing the building, including the roof and HVAC system. The building exterior will also be refreshed.
“This work is not expected to impact operations at the terminal or to our schedules, with the Lands End Cafe remaining open throughout the work,” BC Ferries said. “While every effort will be made to reduce noise, some construction activities may increase normal sound levels around the terminal. We will continue to work with our contractors to help mitigate this whenever possible.”
