The terminal master planning process for the Langdale ferry terminal is well underway.
Last Thursday (Jan. 26) B.C. Ferries held the first of what they promise to be several open houses for the public to provide comments and feedback into the master planning process.
According to an information bulletin handed out at the open house, a terminal master plan is a concept plan that provides the framework for the phased implementation of strategies and actions over the next 20 years, enabling B.C. Ferries to develop terminals in a cost-effective, organized and efficient way. The master plan identifies both the short and longer term needs from B.C. Ferries' operational perspective.
The study area for the master plan encompasses the marine infrastructure, the landslide infrastructure within the terminal site and surrounding lands that may offer potential for expansion and adjacent access roads.
Mark Stefanson, vice president communications B.C. Ferries, said he was pleased with the turnout and public comment at the open house.
"The purpose of the open house is really to get Sunshine Coast residents involved in the process," said Stefanson. "The Langdale terminal is a big priority for us and we want public input in the process. We're getting a lot of good input today. People want close accessibility so they don't have to walk too far to the berth. We're hearing a lot about that from people with disabilities and seniors. There are also issues around more amenities and more green space at the terminal."
Stefanson said there were also comments brought up about the Route 13 berth and where that will go.
"Many of our Gambier/Keats customers need to connect and intersect with the route," he said. "We have some congestion issues. The recreation boaters in the summer time can be a concern to us. We don't want to have any accidents. We've talked to the Salvation Army camp and they're concerned about heavy wash. People who live and are close to the terminal are concerned about access. We're trying to listen and get all the views. That's the only way that this process can work."
Stefanson said B.C. Ferries hasn't determined when or where its next open house will be.
"This certainly won't be our only open house," he added. "There is interest to hold one on Gambier/Keats. We're also tossing around the idea of having one right on the vessel to allow our commuters a chance to comment."
The Langdale master-planning process began in August, 2005 and to date has included a start-up meeting and the development of the functional requirements for the terminal. The functional requirements for the Langdale terminal are established by B.C. Ferries' representatives on the project working committee.
Some of the issues include: queue jumping at the entrance to the terminal, traffic congestion on the highway, inability to accurately count foot passengers, passenger security, unauthorized use of Route 13 dock, foot passenger protection from weather, size of the parking area and rates and passenger facilities.
Phase one (pre-implementation) is to develop the master concept plan and options. This is already underway. Consultation with the public will also take place at the same time in the hopes that the concept plan would be completed sometime next April. Prioritizing construction packages and costs would then take place. Preliminary design would continue over the next two years with the hopes of initiating phase two (main construction) in March 2008.
B.C. Ferries said updates would be provided as the process moves forward.
