$225 million from Ottawa, province, port and partners
April 13, 2009
More than $225 million in new funding has been earmarked for infrastructure improvements along the North Shore of Burrard Inlet as part of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative.
Stockwell Day, federal minister of international trade and minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell, and Robin Silvester, president and CEO of Port Metro Vancouver, joined other key stakeholders for the announcement in Vancouver on March 27.
Five North Shore Trade Area infrastructure projects designed to enhance port and rail operations are being supported by technical and financial contributions from:
• Government of Canada – up to $75 million;
• Province of British Columbia – $62 million;
• Port Metro Vancouver – $49.2 million (on its behalf and on behalf of some terminal operators);
• TransLink – $5 million;
• City of North Vancouver – $2.7 million (including $1.9 million in property);
• District of North Vancouver – $5.6 million (including $5.2 million in property);
• Kinder Morgan Canada Terminals L.P. – $2.5 million; and
• Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway – collectively $23.7 million.
“This is an excellent example of how building for the future with sustainable growth can be realized through co-operation among all levels of government and the private sector,” Mr. Silvester said. “As an integral part of the Asia-Pacific Gateway, the North Shore Trade Area will not only result in significant community and environmental benefits, it will enhance economic development throughout the region.”
“The Government of Canada is proud to commit up to $75 million to these infrastructure projects along Burrard Inlet’s North Shore through Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative,” Mr. Day said. “Most commodities imported and exported on the North Shore are directly related to trade with the Asia-Pacific region. Improving transportation infrastructure in this area will create jobs in the community and strengthen Canada’s competitive position in international commerce.”
“Our commitment of $62 million to these projects builds on the $15 billion in improvements Pacific Gateway partners are already funding to make Canada’s Pacific Gateway the gateway of choice for Asia-Pacific shippers,” Mr. Campbell said. “The North Shore is a growing centre for trade and economic activity here in B.C. Through these investments we are improving access to ports and railways, and moving to seize the job-creation opportunities created as we strengthen our trading connections overseas.”
“TransLink’s contribution to road improvements in the North Shore Trade Area is totally in line with our ongoing program to fund and manage Metro Vancouver’s major arterial road network in a way that promotes efficient goods movement and sustains a healthy economy in our region,” said TransLink CEO Tom Prendergast.
“CN is pleased to be part of this comprehensive initiative to enhance the movement of goods through the North Shore Trade Area,” said Jim Vena, senior vice-president, Western Canada. “These projects, combined with CN’s ongoing investments in its own equipment and facilities, will help make the Pacific Gateway an even more competitive option for the movement of freight into and out of North America.”
“Canadian Pacific is pleased to partner in the revitalization of Vancouver’s North Shore Trade Area, enhancing the long-term viability of Canadian potash, coal, grain and other bulk exports,” said Jane O’Hagan, senior vice-president of strategy and yield. “This is an excellent example of government and the private sector working together to increase our global competitiveness through a world-class port.”
“On behalf of the North Shore Trade Area terminals, I applaud the governments for their leadership in facilitating the improvement of the North Shore rail corridor,” said Jim Belsheim, president of Neptune Bulk Terminals (Canada) Ltd. “These projects reflect the importance of bulk and breakbulk exports, which are fundamental to the future economic health of Western Canada and Canada as a whole.”
The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor is a network of transportation infrastructure including British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and Prince Rupert ports, their principal road and rail connections stretching across Western Canada and south to the United States, key border crossings, and major Canadian airports. The network serves all of North America and is focused on strengthening trade ties with the Asia-Pacific region.