First Street Dock Upgrades

The First Street Dock West Float Replacement Project is scheduled to start on January 23rd, 2023 (Weather Permitting)

There will be an additional section temporarily added to the East Float during construction, for offshore community members to load and unload from marine vessels.

Please be advised that while construction is taking place we ask all residents to adhere to posted construction signage.

The existing West Float will first be decommissioned and removed from its current location. Thereafter the new West Float fabricated by Blue Water Systems LTD. will be installed.

This component of the project is expected to be completed early February 2023.

The District of Tofino appreciates your patience while this critical piece of marine infrastructure is replaced.

Background

The First Street Dock is a defining structure of Tofino’s waterfront. First constructed in 1952, the dock has had several upgrades and repairs between 1970 – 2019. Historically, it was the only deep-water wharf servicing downtown Tofino and allowed larger vessels to dock and unload. Today, it provides access to nearby marine communities, allows for emergency services during marine disasters and provides public access to better view the Tofino Harbour.

Since the First Street Dock became a District of Tofino asset in 2002, it has experienced several marine emergencies, vehicle and pedestrian traffic and endured the harsh environment of the West Coast.

Why does First Street Dock need upgrades?

Portions of the dock show signs of wear and need repair or replacement.

In May 2022, staff engaged McElhanney Ltd. to complete a Marine Facility Condition Assessment of the First Street Dock. One of the priority items identified in the report was the replacement of the west float. The west float is showing signs of failure on its Northeast corner and is currently at or under the water level (See below).

West float, First St. Dock

The west float of the First St. dock is used daily as a critical access point for offshore users such as the Ahousaht First Nation, critical deliveries of goods and services to the offshore communities and is the primary marine emergency location.

What's next?

The replacement of the west float represents the first phase of upgrades to the First Street Dock that is scheduled to begin January 23, 2023 and continue throughout the next several years.