Replacement of the apron and other terminal upgrades are underway on Gabriola Island, mirroring work done in Nanaimo late 2025 and into January. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

potential delays

Terminal upgrade work underway on Gabriola Island

Mar 18, 2026 | 2:46 PM

GABRIOLA ISLAND — Work to extend the life of BC Ferries’ terminal at Descanso Bay is underway.

Crews were on site at the start of March and are scheduled to work at the terminal until the end of May 2026 on berth life extension projects, as well as other terminal upgrades including replacement of the apron structure.

“Work will be completed between sailings from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, or overnight between 8:00 pm and 5:30 am, Sunday through Thursday,” a service notice from the company reads. “Overnight work is required for most aspects of the project to minimize disruption to terminal operations and avoid impacts to scheduled crossing times.”

Workers will take “all efforts” to minimize noise from the construction during overnight hours.

A handful of late-night sailings were cancelled for Tuesday, March 17 as a result of the work, and others may be required to reduce impacts of service during peak times and help crews conduct their work.

potential delays

Terminal upgrade work underway on Gabriola Island

1h ago

three arrested

'Several weapons were produced:' two bearsprayed in downtown Nanaimo attack

5h ago

Holding Court

VIU Mariners welcome top CCAA men's basketball teams for nationals

10h ago

Similar work was completed at the Nanaimo Harbour terminal in January, wrapping up a project which began in late October.

Enhancements to the Nanaimo Harbour and Descanso Bay ferry terminals are linked to a pair of new battery-electric hybrid Island Class vessels to operate on the route, with the first scheduled to enter service on the route in 2027.

On-shore charging infrastructure will be established for the ferries, which are similar in size and scope to the two hybrid vessels serving the route now.

Follow us on Facebook. Join Everything Nanaimo on Facebook and stay connected with everything happening on central Vancouver Island.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook