April 2023 update
The building restoration is now complete, and the Ferry Building Gallery will open to the public in April. The restoration included raising the building in its current location to protect it from rising flood levels due to impacts of climate change. Seismic and envelope upgrades and accessibility improvements, including constructing accessible public washrooms, were also part of the project.
Background
The federal, provincial, and municipal governments invested in restoring the Ferry Building, a cherished landmark which opened as the Ambleside terminus in 1913, was designated a Municipal Heritage Property in 1987, and has been operating as a public art gallery since 1989.
The restoration work began during the week of May 10, 2021 and was completed in March 2023.
The Ferry Building is a municipally designated heritage site and cannot be altered unless a Heritage Alteration Permit is issued. On February 22, 2021, Council approved the Heritage Alteration Permit to allow restoration of the Ferry Building.
A public comment form was available until February 15. Comments received were summarized and presented to Council for consideration at the February 22 meeting.
The project is co-funded by the District and the federal and provincial governments. The Government of Canada is investing $1,010,360 through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS), and the Government of British Columbia is contributing $841,882.
Heritage and cultural facilities are a vital part of Council’s vision to create a complete community that is livable, vibrant, and inclusive. The Ferry Building is one of 14 projects across the Lower Mainland to receive joint federal and provincial funding under the CCRIS.
The restoration will include raising the building in its current location in order to protect it from rising flood levels due to impacts of climate change. Seismic and envelope upgrades and accessibility improvements, including constructing accessible washrooms, also part of the project. The Ferry Building will continue as a community art gallery once the restoration is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What will the Ferry Building be used for in the future?
The Ferry Building will remain a community art gallery as it has since 1989. - What is the total budget for the project?
The project is co-funded by the District and the federal and provincial governments. The Government of Canada is investing $1,010,000 through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS), and the Government of British Columbia is contributing $840,000.
Council approved a maximum of $1,350,000 in additional funding for the Ferry Building Restoration project. If all grant funds and District funds are spent the total project cost could be as much as $3,200,000. - When was the need for the restoration of the Ferry Building determined?
As far back as 2014 the Ferry Building required repair to the roof and the building envelope and windows, seismic and code upgrades, and flood-proofing of the building. The District submitted a grant application to the Western Economic Diversification Canada—Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in 2015. The application was not successful.
In 2016, the District submitted a subsequent application to the same program and was again unsuccessful.
In February 2019, the District submitted a funding application to Canada-British Columbia Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and was successful in receiving $1,852,242 toward the restoration of the Ferry Building. - How are the impacts of climate change being addressed?
The building will be raised in its current location in order to protect it from rising flood levels due to impacts of climate change.
Contact
For questions regarding the restoration work, please contact:
Doti Niedermayer
Senior Manager, Cultural Services
604-921-2938
Email
For questions regarding the permit process, please contact:
Erika Syvokas
Community Planner
604-921-2914
Email