The ferry terminal may be temporarily relocated as part of the Corporation of Hamilton's plans for a multi-million dollar waterfront development.

Residents were shown a computer-enhanced artist's impression of what the finished product could look like, during an open meeting at City Hall on Monday.

Varoujan Hagopian of Sasaki Associates, the project's architectural and planning consultants, said work would be done in three distinct phases and could take decades to complete.

The first phase would involve moving the ferry terminal from its present location at Albouy's Point, further into Hamilton Harbour. The facility would form part of a transportation hub which would include a cruise ship pier.

"We intend to temporarily relocate the ferry so we can reclaim land and build underground (parking)," said Mr. Hagopian. "The intent is to no longer have cruise ships (parallel to the coast). By putting it at an angle, it will free the view. It will include a security facility for Customs and, next to that, the ferry terminal."

Sasaki Associates has experience in waterfront projects including the Boston Waterfront Park and Long Wharf, Charleston Waterfront Park and Los Angeles Wilmington Waterfront Development.