2021 Economic Impact Assessment


The Port of Prince Rupert and the Prince Rupert Gateway Make Northern BC Work.


The Port of Prince Rupert is sustaining its strong growth as a key North American trade gateway and this is having a positive impact on communities across northern British Columbia.

The results of the Prince Rupert Gateway Council’s 2021 Economic Impact Assessment are impressive and demonstrate the continued growth and diversification of the Gateway industry in the region.

The Prince Rupert Gateway supports the movement of goods through the Port of Prince Rupert to and from domestic and international destinations. Over the last decade, this movement of goods has increased by over 100% to a record 32.4 million tonnes of cargo in 2020, thanks to the vast contributions of Gateway partners.

The study found that transportation of $60 billion worth of exports and imports through the Gateway generated over $1.4 billion in annual economic activity and is creating new, well-paying job opportunities for skilled workers across northern BC.

Employment in port-related activities has also more than doubled over the last decade. Work in the marine, terminal, rail, truck, and logistics activities through the Gateway directly supported 3,700 people. After adding indirect and induced job figures to that number —from businesses providing supplies and services to the industry—the employment grand total rises to approximately 7,800. 

Total wages of the direct workforce account for $360 million for families in communities across northern BC. In addition, the average annual wage in 2020 rose to approximately $95,000.

It’s not just working women and men and their families who are benefitting from this growth. Annual tax contributions to all levels of government from the companies and workers that keep the port moving now exceed $147 million. This includes over $12 million to local municipalities in the Prince Rupert area through payments in lieu of taxes from PRPA, property taxes from terminals and PRPA tenants, and the Port Competitiveness Transfer from the provincial government to local governments.

View our latest Economic Impact Study documenting economic growth and the value of the port’s trade.
To see a brief overview of the Port of Prince Rupert’s and the Prince Rupert Gateway’s operations and their impact, view the brochure.

To view the full press release associated with the release of the Economic Impact Study, go to https://www.rupertport.com/news.

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