The first passengers passed through Harbour Air and Kenmore Air’s new floating terminal in Victoria Harbour on Monday.
It was a soft opening with finishing touches still to come. The terminal’s grand opening is planned for May 5.
“This is a model for the world,” said Randy Wright, vice-president of the Harbour Air group.
The terminal, with a plant-covered roof following the lines of a wave, is an example of what can be developed for seaplane service around the globe, he said.
Mission residents Linda and John Waite and children Cadence, 12, Avery, 10, and Alex, 6, flew out of the terminal after a weekend visit to Victoria to celebrate Linda’s birthday.
While waiting for their flight, the roomy environment allowed Alex to leap around for a few minutes, before settling back into a comfortable black armchair.
“I love the modern look,” said Linda, who works in an architectural office. She also praised the 5,000-square-foot building’s green roof and said the structure suits its harbour environment.
Tugboats pulled the $4-million building into its Inner Harbour location on Feb. 27. Designed by architects Sid Chow and Ted Murray, it was built by CanPro Construction at Bamberton.
Officials from China’s Zongshen Group, which bought a minority share in Harbour Air last year, will attend the grand opening, Wright said.
Zongshen said last year that Harbour Air had created a model for seaplane commuter air travel that could benefit millions of Chinese living in cities on the coast or near major waterways.
Polished concrete floors, a panelled fir ceiling with laminated wood beams, exposed air ducts and huge windows bring a bright, industrial and West Coast vibe to the building’s interior. Hardy, colourful plants are starting to grow on the roof.
Doors opened at 5:30 a.m., when first customer Rob Fontaine walked in and got a free flight.
Wright pointed to unfinished docks, calling them a “bit of nostalgia” retained from the previous Victoria Marine Adventure Centre that was once on this property. They are being upgraded.
The water-level perspective from seats inside and outside the terminal delivers views of the harbour and landmark buildings such as the Empress Hotel and B.C. legislature.
Still to arrive is seating and other furniture for the outdoor area running between the airline’s Flying Otter Grill in an adjacent floating building to the new terminal.
Old trailers that previously served as the terminal will be gone within a month, Wright said.
Beyond its design, what Wright loves about the building is the convenient flow devised for departing and arriving passengers.
The building’s second floor includes a staff area with a kitchen, a sleeping area for pilots, a boardroom and an office for Victoria terminal manager Mike Smith, along with storage space and a mechanical area.
