/ Terminal 1 Public Market Progress on Track
September 21, 2026
Things are taking shape over the waterfront at Terminal 1.
The vision of an iconic public market in Vancouver over the Columbia River remains in sight for the Port of Vancouver USA. To reach that goal, replacing the century-old dock was an essential first step. Commuters on I-5 and visitors to the waterfront have likely noticed that the new dock is nearing completion.
The public market project has progressed at a pace dictated by in-water work windows – four-month portions of the year when state and federal agencies allow construction within the Columbia River.
Beginning in 2023 by removing the old dock and its over 1,000 creosote wooden pilings, making the shore more earthquake-proof, improving fish habitat on the river floor and now installing the dock itself, the port has made the most of these October-through-January windows each year.
Since work once again shifted above the river in February 2026, crews have installed pile caps on the dock, temporary supports and precast concrete deck panels. They’re also preparing for the next in-water work window that begins October 1. Crews will be ready to finish dock and pile elements, place expansion joint plates and install electrical and utility infrastructure under the dock.
As that work progresses, installation of the additional steel piles and fenders will also take place. The port anticipates river cruises will resume visiting Vancouver in future years, so these improvements will help protect the dock when these vessels tie up.
The port will also be working diligently to restore the popular Renaissance Trail adjacent to the AC Hotel for pedestrians. The Terminal 1 portion of the trail will remain open throughout construction, although those strolling through will have to continue navigating a narrower pathway for a few more months to safely accommodate construction activity.
Crews will take other steps to maximize public safety and minimize sound disruptions while this work continues. For instance, visual barriers will remain in place along construction fencing to protect the public from welding arc-flash that can cause damage to eyes, crane operations and heavy material movement, as well as debris and dust.
The port plans to use a vibratory method to install the steel piles, rather than the noisier impact hammering method.
Once the new dock is complete, work will shift toward developing and constructing the 40,000 square foot public market, with an anticipated opening in 2030. The details of the public market are still under design, though the port plans to have updated drawings to share with the public in the coming months.
Whether walking the Renaissance Trail, perusing the area’s history at Vancouver Landing, taking in views from the Launch or visiting the future public market, the birthplace of the port remains poised to become a premier destination for locals and visitors alike.
Timeline for Terminal 1 public market
2026-2027: From October through January, crews will install deck elements, pile caps, electrical and utility infrastructure and a protective fendering system. This work signals the completion of the T1 dock.
2028 –2030 (estimated): Construction of the public market.
