Security at B.C. Ferries terminals is about to be improved thanks to $5.6 million from Transport Canada.
Passengers likely will not notice the improvements though as they will mostly come in the form of new perimeter fences, closed circuit television cameras and tighter security for terminal installations like the tower control area at Horseshoe Bay.
Some of the funds will also go towards security equipment purchases and increased training for ferry staff, according to Deborah Marshall, media spokesperson for B.C. Ferries.
The increase in security funding comes as part of the Marine Security Contribution program, a $115 million commitment by the federal government to assist ports, marine facilities and domestic ferries with enhanced security.
Under the agreement, B.C. Ferries will undertake the security improvements and send receipts to Transport Canada and will then be reimbursed for 75 per cent of the costs.
She said the funds will be useful as Transport Canada is bringing down new security regulations on the ferry company.
"We have to comply with any new regulations that come into effect," she said. "We are quite pleased that we were eligible for the reimbursement program."
Just over $2.4 million will be spent on the terminal at Horseshoe Bay. The rest will be spent on other terminals as well as given to Coast Mountain Bus Company Ltd.
Marshall said there are no plans to increase staffing and the 25 per cent security improvement costs B.C. Ferries is responsible for will not be passed on to riders.
