A Dream Becomes A Reality

September 12th, 2007

As the chartered aircraft descended through the unblemished blue sky, delivering fifty of the hundreds attending the celebration of Prince Rupert’s newest terminal, everyone aboard was in high spirits.

The weather was unbelievably perfect for a mid September event on the west coast. As our landing approach took us directly past Ridley Island, a panoramic view of two ships loading at the wharf was an unexpected treat. Dust slowly rising from both, one with coal, the other directly astern, with grain. Products from the BC Peace destined for far off foreign shores.

But we were here to celebrate the latest addition to our northern gateway to the orient. A dream decades old was about to finally become a reality! The culmination of the efforts of literally hundreds of people who had “shared the vision”, persevered over long odds and not rested until Prince Rupert had a world-class container terminal to augment the bulk loading facilities nearby.

At 33 hours closer to Asian ports than Vancouver, the new terminal is creating exciting new opportunities for our local industries and future economic prosperity since much of our economy is reliant upon the ability to efficiently export our natural resources and goods into international markets.

While the Port of Vancouver will continue to play a role in fulfilling our regional transportation needs, the Port of Prince Rupert offers a strong transport alternative. It is a central link in the development of the Northwest Transportation Corridor, providing a conduit through northern BC and Alberta to the Midwestern Unites States and Eastern Canada.

Throughout the years that I have been working with the Prince Rupert Port Authority, mayors and business leaders from as far away as Ontario have approached me to share their support for the transport of goods through this route, which relies heavily upon the ‘inland port’ of Prince George.

The Fairview terminal was the impetus to constructing the CN Intermodal Container Terminal in Prince George. When the first ship arrives at Prince Rupert on October 31st, Prince George’s Halloween treats will soon follow as the containers are quickly offloaded at the Fairview operation to awaiting rail cars.

When I joined government and business leaders from Canada and around the world at the opening ceremonies this week, the Prince Rupert Port Authority proudly showcased its three 25-storey tall, 1,800-tonne cranes costing US$8-million each! The terminal is already oversubscribed for its annual 500,000 container capacity.

The venture was funded by the federal and provincial governments, Maher Terminals, CN Rail and the Prince Rupert Port Authority. The federal government contributed $30-million to the project in addition to its investment to establish customs services at the terminal.

The atmosphere at this event was by far the most jubilant and celebratory I’ve experienced in a long time. Hope and optimism was clearly reflected on the faces of the large contingent of BC mayors and business owners in attendance.

Thanks to the unwavering vision of the proponents of the Northwest Transportation Corridor and the courage and dedication of the Prince Rupert Port Authority, Prince George-Peace River’s ship is finally about to come in.

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