The community has told us, time and again, how important it is to develop access along our waterfront - which has historically been dominated by industrial uses. We've heard you - and we're actively working on updating the waterfront areas under City control for community benefit.

Over the past few years, we have been slowly moving forward with the redesign of the waterfront park area at the base of Bill Murray Way, in partnership with Gitxaała Enterprises and with funding from the Province of BC. The project aims to improve public access to the waterfront, integrate opportunities for highlighting of Ts'msyen arts and culture, create a more vibrant, welcoming space for residents, and support growing tourism and cruise activity and associated opportunities for local businesses to benefit from that activity.

What’s Changed

Earlier plans to relocate the airport ferry to Rotary Waterfront Park are no longer being considered. Instead, the focus is on creating an upgraded, community-oriented waterfront park that is more accessible, functional, and reflective of Ts’msyen culture and history. We drew from public feedback on multiple public engagements - from our Parks Plan, Transportation Plan, ReDesign Rupert 2030 Visioning process, and more - to inform our planning processes. Over the coming year(s) we will be coming back to the public to truth out certain elements of the design to make sure we're getting it right.

What’s Been Done in 2025 and Recent Years

Over 2025 and in prior years, the City has been coordinating with the many different parties who own different sections of property in this area to complete:

  • Full restoration of the heritage rail station for commercial use
  • Installation of a angled parking area and accessing along Bill Murray Way
  • A high-level concept design
  • Initiation of a schematic design for the full park
  • Engagement with nearby operators and partners (BC Hydro, CN, Via Rail)
  • Most of the technical due-diligence work
  • Initiation of a detailed design for parking and access improvements
  • A “quick-win” parking lot construction package for early 2026

We're excited for what's to come! If you are as well, bookmark this page to keep an eye out for future communications and opportunities for feedback as designs progress.