City Expands Banfield Park Dock

June 22, 2022

The City of Victoria has expanded the public dock in Banfield Park to give swimmers and paddlers improved recreational access to the Gorge Waterway. The expansion more than doubles the available dock space to reduce crowding, allows for safer deep-water access for swimmers and accommodates small watercraft access at low tide.

The expansion includes an additional walkway leading to a new five-by-10-metre platform in deeper water. The dock features rescue equipment including a reaching pole and life ring device, new signage, two swim ladders, and flip-up dock cleats to temporarily secure kayaks to the dock.

Members of the community, led by the Gorge Swim Fest Society, have collaborated with the City on the design. The dock expansion is consistent with the Official Community Plan and the Victoria West Neighbourhood Plan, which recommended improvements to existing public docks, wharfs and other public access for neighbourhood swimming.

The project included an aquatic assessment to mitigate impacts to the marine habitat and a safety assessment. Through the federal permitting process, the project also included a detailed review by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans as well as Transport Canada.

The City will be developing plans for other parks located on the Gorge Waterway and continues to collaborate with the community on potential future enhancements to recreational and environmental features of these valued public spaces.