The District of Squamish is exploring building a public boat launch at Darrell Bay to accommodate recreational boaters and small barges, according to a feasibility study to be presented to council on Tuesday.
The study, conducted by marine engineering firm Westmar Advisors, examined whether a boat launch facility could be built alongside the existing BC Ferries terminal. The review follows a 2024 Marine Access Review that identified Darrell Bay as a promising alternative to the current launch on the Mamquam Blind Channel, which has deteriorated and experiences significant congestion.
Marine engineering experts determined the South Bay Area is well-suited for a shared-use launch facility. The location offers direct access to Howe Sound without requiring navigation aids or significant dredging. Water depths and gradual seabed contours would support a launch ramp and floating docks without major alterations to the natural bottom.
The study presents two design options. The first features a single 15-metre lane accommodating boats and barges with 60 parking spaces, including 47 trailer spots. The second option includes dual lanes with a smaller footprint but reduced parking with only 37 spaces total, with 22 for trailers. Both designs would allow launching at all tide levels and have an anticipated 50-year service life.
Costs and considerations
Capital construction costs are estimated between $5.4 million and $10.6 million, depending on the design chosen and accounting for a 30 percent contingency. Direct construction costs for the ramps and floats alone range from $3.5 million to $3.7 million. The total project cost includes environmental assessments, archaeological surveys, geotechnical investigations, engineering services and transportation studies required for permits and approvals.
The estimates do not include washroom facilities, highway modifications or future upgrades. Annual maintenance costs are projected at $27,000 to $40,000 for inspections, repairs, debris management and upkeep of surfaces, anchors and infrastructure.
One construction challenge identified involves the bedrock beneath the water. Piles for floating docks would likely need to be drilled and socketed into the bedrock rather than driven into sediments, increasing construction costs. The study notes that archaeological and environmental assessments will be necessary to identify required protections and potential habitat restoration opportunities in the upland, foreshore and underwater areas.
Three potential operating models are outlined in the report: government-operated, private operator or concession arrangement, or a hybrid public-private partnership. Each model presents different advantages and challenges.
Before any construction could proceed, the district would need to clarify land and marine use authorizations through government-to-government consultations with the province, which owns the ferry terminal property. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit added public boat launch as a permitted use when the terminal was rezoned in 2022.
District staff note that other potential launch sites identified in the Marine Access Review, particularly privately-held waterfront lands along the Mamquam Blind Channel, still warrant review. Those sites would be assessed when land use changes or redevelopment proposals come forward.
The Darrell Bay study provides baseline design parameters and costing information for comparing future alternative launch locations.
This feels unnecessary. Last time the Squamish inlet was developed it ended poorly after multiple attempts and an increase in boats would likely impact the kite surfing community and the natural environment.
For anyone in town who likes boating, they can drive to numerous locations to get their fix in under an hour. Not worth taxpayer dollars.
Does Wood fibre natural gas use Darrell bay? They’d fair well donating a public launch in Darrell Bay.
On another note porteau cove boat launch was a great idea till they didn’t out in a dock. Great ramp. No place to tie up the boat. Big mistake. Speaking of mistakes. Porteau cove is the incorrect place for a ferry slip. If and when a rock slide happens chances are good it’ll be the rock bluffs just north of the cove shutting down the highway for weeks.
Terri Lukyn
A couple comments. Boaters have been using Howe Sound for many many more years than wind surfers have even been around. I’ve traveled many times out off the harbor in all sorts and sizes of marine vessels. I’ve witnessed many times wind surfers cutting off or in front of boats. I believe that the shipping lane to the harbor should be for marine traffic only!! Second there is ferry terminal north of Porteau Cove at Darrel Bay. When Porteau bluffs had a slide in the early 90s I took a ferry from Darrel Bay to Horse Shoe Bay. That was before either were upgraded and designated emergency ferry docks.