PRPA Helps Fund New Port Edward Fire Truck
EFFECTIVE APRIL 15, 2025
PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The District of Port Edward is safer and more secure with a brand-new fire truck now serving the community and surrounding area. The specialized vehicle was purchased for the volunteer Port Edward Fire Department through a partnership between the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund and the District of Port Edward, with PRPA contributing $155,000 to the $500,000 cost.
The new fire truck replaces the district’s aging truck that had been in use for three decades and reached the end of its lifespan. Equipped with a new water pump, hoses, and ladder, the new vehicle enables volunteer firefighters to greatly enhance their response. The truck also provides fire crews with safer seating that better protects them from the elements when travelling to-and-from emergencies.
“PRPA is committed to strengthening emergency management and preparedness on the North Coast. This investment will help improve the safety, security, and sustainability of Port Edward and provide volunteer firefighters with the tools they need to do their important work,” said Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority.
“Having this valuable support from PRPA’s Community Investment Fund ensures the Port Edward Fire Department has safe and reliable equipment,” said Jason Giesbrecht, Fire Chief, Port Edward Volunteer Fire Department. “The new truck allows our department to respond to emergencies more effectively and efficiently, covering a wide area that includes Port Edward out to Cassiar Cannery and along Highway 16 from Galloway Rapids Bridge to Tyee Overpass.”
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ABOUT THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND
The Community Investment Fund is financed by a share of the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s annual net income that has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of the North Coast. By investing these funds into community projects, led mostly by dedicated local volunteers, the Port Authority has been able to share its financial success with the communities that enable it. Since 2010, more than $18.9 million has been committed to the Fund, helping to bring more than 115 local and regional projects to life. Each of these projects has filled an important role in supporting recreation, health and wellness, arts and culture, youth, education, the environment, and other needs in the community.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Olivia Mowatt
Senior Communications Officer
Prince Rupert Port Authority
250-627-2588
omowatt@rupertport.com
EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2025
PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Prince Rupert’s Rushbrook Trail is safer and more accessible after the popular waterfront pathway underwent further structural upgrades. These latest improvements were funded through a collaboration between the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund and Kaien Island Trail Enhancement and Recreation Society (Kaien Trails) and represent their joint commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation for all community members on the North Coast.
PRPA invested $50,000 in this project, bringing its total contributions to Rushbrook Trail revitalization efforts to $885,000 since 2018.
To make Rushbrook Trail more inclusive for people with varying mobilities, three steep sections of the pathway were regraded, significantly reducing the slopes in those areas. When planning these upgrades, Kaien Trails incorporated the Trans Canada Trail’s best practices and guidelines for designing and developing an ‘All Persons Trail’. These new safety improvements bring the pathway closer to being accessible to people of all abilities and enable much broader use of the scenic seaside pathway for residents and visitors alike.
“The repeated support from the Prince Rupert Port Authority helps ensure this beloved community asset remains a centerpiece of Prince Rupert’s network of walkways and makes it easier for people with limited mobility to safely experience one of the most used trails on the North Coast,” said Steve Milum, President, Kaien Island Trail Enhancement and Recreation Society.
The upgrades to Rushbrook Trail are the latest in a series of investments by PRPA into enhancing Prince Rupert’s waterfront including the revitalization of Seal Cove Salt Marsh and development of the Millennium Walkway, Cow Bay Marina, Atlin Promenade, Atlin Terminal, and Northland Cruise Terminal.
“PRPA remains committed to enabling greater access to the waterfront for all residents and the improvements to Rushbrook Trail will create a wide range of opportunities for more people to get outside and enjoy the views from one of the most unique pathways in BC,” said Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority.
Community members are invited to a celebration to mark the reopening of the Rushbrook Trail on Sunday April 6th. A free hot dog BBQ will be set up at the trailhead by the Rushbrook Floats from 12pm to 2pm. Participants are encouraged to park in Seal Cove, walk the trail and have a bite before looping back.
QUICK FACTS:
- Rushbrook Trail was initially built by the City of Prince Rupert in 1985, following the closure of the CN rail line to Seal Cove.
- Safety concerns from unstable rock and falling debris forced the city to close the path in 2003.
- PRPA’s Community Investment Fund, Rotary Club of Prince Rupert, and Kaien Trails were key partners in its repair and reopening in 2018.
- Kaien Trails maintains the city-owned asset for the benefit of the community.
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ABOUT THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND
The Community Investment Fund is financed by a share of the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s annual net income that has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of the North Coast. By investing these funds into community projects, led mostly by dedicated local volunteers, the Port Authority has been able to share its financial success with the communities that enable it. Since 2010, more than $18.9 million has been committed to the Fund, helping to bring more than 115 local and regional projects to life. Each of these projects has filled an important role in supporting recreation, health and wellness, arts and culture, youth, education, the environment, and other needs in the community.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Olivia Mowatt
Senior Communications Officer
Prince Rupert Port Authority
250-627-2588
omowatt@rupertport.com
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 30, 2025
PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) and the Metlakatla Development Corporation (MDC) are partnering to develop the South Kaien Import Logistics Park (SKILP). The $100M+ Indigenous-led joint venture will enable long-term economic benefits for Metlakatla and new employment opportunities for local Indigenous workers, while bolstering intermodal trade through the Prince Rupert Gateway.
A portion of SKILP will host a logistics and warehousing complex that significantly expands and strengthens import transloading and related capabilities at the Port of Prince Rupert. Construction is underway in developing the 56 acres of flat, serviced industrial land in proximity to Fairview Terminal, CN Rail, and the recently announced CANXPORT facility.
The majority of SKILP is pre-leased, with IntermodeX, a leading integrated intermodal services company and subsidiary of SSA Marine, as the anchor tenant. As Prince Rupert’s first major import logistics operator, IntermodeX will develop and operate the new 33-acre logistics and warehousing facilities, with operations commencing in Q1 2027. Another 23 acres remain available for tenants wanting access to a deep-sea port, CN rail line, provincial highway, and full-service intermodal gateway.
The primary construction contractor is Coast Tsimshian Northern Contractors Alliance (CTNCA), an Indigenous-led joint venture that includes Coast Tsimshian Enterprises and IDL Projects Inc. To enable SKILP, MDC received $43.3 million from the National Trade Corridors Fund to support the project. The Canada Infrastructure Bank has provided $60.9 million in financing through its Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative.
SKILP is a key component of the port’s fully integrated intermodal ecosystem that connects supply chain infrastructure within the growing gateway’s existing footprint. The IntermodeX facility will complement the future operations at CANXPORT, a large-scale export transloading and logistics facility currently under construction on nearby Ridley Island. The two projects are designed to maximize efficiency and build greater competitive advantages for shippers, by reinforcing the balance of intermodal trade flowing through the Prince Rupert Gateway.
QUOTES:
“MDC acquired the South Kaien lands in fee simple in 2019. We envision these lands as an integral part of the Prince Rupert Gateway and other commercial uses. However, SKILP is step one: MDC plans to develop the remaining 280 acres in subsequent phases to support regional growth and provide economic opportunities for the region and next generation of Metlakatla members.” Harold Leighton, CEO, Metlakatla Development Corporation
“This valued partnership with Metlakatla Development Corporation reinforces our commitment to creating sustainable business opportunities that generate employment, economic, and social benefits for Indigenous peoples on the North Coast, while also strengthening import transloading and logistics capabilities, bringing greater flexibility, agility, and resilience to shipper supply chains at the Port of Prince Rupert,” said Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Olivia Mowatt
Senior Communications Officer
Prince Rupert Port Authority
omowatt@rupertport.com
Taylor Zeeg
Owner’s Representative
Metlakatla Development Corporation
tz@tributaryps.ca
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 20, 2025
PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) announced today that 23.1 million tonnes of cargo moved through the Port of Prince Rupert in 2024, reflecting a one percent decline compared to 2023.
Intermodal volumes at DP World Prince Rupert’s Fairview Container Terminal rose five percent year-over-year. Performance was impacted by the realignment of carriers’ transpacific trade routes, two labour disruptions, and the brief suspension of rail service due to wildfire that paused terminal operations.
Strong demand for western Canadian energy products saw AltaGas’ Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal ship 2.3 million tonnes of liquified petroleum gas (LPG), representing a 15 percent increase year-over-year. Pembina’s Watson Island LPG Bulk Terminal handled 502,800 tonnes. Drax’s Westview Wood Pellet Terminal shipped 1.2 million tonnes of biofuel to markets in Europe and Asia.
Following a strong crop year, Prince Rupert Grain Terminal saw a 26 percent increase in exports, handling over 4.5 million tonnes of western Canadian agricultural products. Total coal export volumes fell 23 percent at Trigon Pacific Terminals, with metallurgical and thermal coal exports down 29 and 22 percent. Cruise passenger volumes decreased 27 percent compared to 2023, with over 59,400 cruise passengers transiting through Prince Rupert in 2024.
Despite this slight decrease in annual volumes, the Prince Rupert Gateway is improving competitiveness and actively diversifying through the development of new terminal and logistics capacity, building greater resiliency against market fluctuations. In 2024, the Port marked considerable progress on multiple strategic projects that set the stage for long-term growth and sustainability. These developments total over $2.5 billion in capital investment and are essential to strengthening and diversifying exports, maximizing supply chain efficiency, and restoring cargo volumes.
“The 2024 results highlight the critical nature of the ongoing projects that will advance Prince Rupert as a full-service port and affirm our position as a key player in global trade and energy security,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. “An historic period of expansion is taking place at the Port of Prince Rupert, and 2024 was a pivotal year of development as we made strides towards enhancing services, capacity, and capabilities and diversifying markets to maintain our competitive edge and support our trade partners.”
Beyond terminal performance, multiple major project milestones were met in 2024, building the foundation for future growth and diversification of the trade gateway:
- Construction commenced on the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF), a large-scale LPG and bulk liquids export terminal. The $1.35 billion AltaGas and Vopak joint venture reached a final investment decision in Q2 2024. REEF will significantly strengthen Canadian energy exports to the Asia Pacific, with an initial development phase that includes approximately 55,000 barrels per day of LPG export capacity and 600,000 barrels of LPG storage.
- The Canada Infrastructure Bank reached financial close on a $150 million loan to PRPA for the first phase of CANXPORT in Q2 2024 and construction is well underway. The large-scale export logistics and transloading facility will be constructed and operated by Ray-Mont Logistics to provide 400,000 TEUs of annual capacity for forestry, agricultural, and resin products, and significantly increase competitiveness and container movements, while bringing greater stability to intermodal trade.
- Trigon Pacific Terminals made significant progress on construction of its second marine berth. The Berth Two Beyond Carbon project will add significant vessel berth capacity to the terminal. The marine infrastructure is expected to be completed in 2025.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 8, 2025
PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) announced today a new addition to its Board of Directors. The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Transport for the Government of Canada, has confirmed the appointment of Jean-Jacques (JJ) Ruest.
Mr. Ruest is a seasoned private sector executive with over four decades of experience in transportation, logistics, international trade, and chemical manufacturing. Recognized as an expert in freight rail, intermodal, and port sectors, he most notably served as CEO, President, and Chief Marketing Officer at CN Rail. Mr. Ruest received the Railroad Innovator Award in 2021 and was inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame in 2017. He holds a degree in Applied Chemistry from the University of Sherbrooke, an MBA in Marketing from HEC University of Montreal, and completed an Executive Business program at the University of Michigan. His three-year term commenced December 17, 2024.
“I warmly welcome JJ and congratulate him on joining our Board,” said Peter Lantin, Board Chair, Prince Rupert Port Authority Board of Directors. “JJ’s extensive background and prior role in the commercial development of the Port of Prince Rupert will be a tremendous asset to PRPA during this next crucial chapter for growth and diversification at our Gateway.”
Mr. Ruest is a User Appointee and was put forward by the Port User Nominating Committee. The Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Board of Directors is comprised of seven people. Three of the Board members are appointed directly by each level of government – municipal, provincial, and federal – while the balance is appointed by the federal government in consultation with the Port User Nominating Committee. Board members are appointed for a term of no more than three years with a maximum tenure of three terms. Learn more about PRPA’s Board of Directors.
EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 28, 2024
PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Lester Centre of the Arts has undergone a critical structural upgrade, helping ensure the long-term survival of the municipally-owned landmark. The Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund collaborated with the City of Prince Rupert to fund and install new metal roofing, gutters, drains and flashing.
This is the latest in a series of improvement projects supported by PRPA to revitalize this key City and community asset from top to bottom. PRPA committed over $317,540 to this project, bringing PRPA’s total contributions towards upgrading the Lester Centre to more than $1 million.
The roof upgrade covers several sections of the building that had begun to leak in recent years, threatening the Lester Centre’s ongoing operations. Replacing this original infrastructure, which dated back to the facility’s opening in 1987, protects the theatre, lobby, rehearsal space, and dressing rooms that are used by thousands of people each year for a wide variety of live performances and special events.
“The stage of the Lester Centre is where so many Rupertites get their first opportunity at artistic expression and performance. Many of them become regular performers and even move on to bigger stages and audiences,” said Mayor Herb Pond. “This facility was a generational investment from our predecessors at the City, and we are proud to contribute to its lasting legacy through 50% funding of this roof project.”
“PRPA prides itself on always being ready to contribute to community projects that make a difference to the lives of local residents. Our investments in upgrading and maintaining this municipal facility will have a lasting impact on current and future generations of community members as they share in the Lester Centre’s history, whether performing on stage, volunteering behind the scenes, or being entertained in the audience,” said Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority.
PRPA has previously contributed to five other enhancement projects that have improved the Lester Centre of the Arts and its longevity:
- Please Be Seated: Theatre seating replacement: $302,500
- Sound system upgrade: $103,000
- Roof replacement phase I: $74,590
- Stage lighting upgrade: $114,500
- Stage floor and lobby carpet replacement: $148,160
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ABOUT THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND
The Community Investment Fund is financed by a share of the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s annual net income that has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of the North Coast. By investing these funds into community projects, led mostly by dedicated local volunteers, the Port Authority has been able to share its financial success with the communities that enable it. Since 2010, more than $18.9 million has been committed to the Fund, helping to bring more than 115 local and regional projects to life. Each of these projects has filled an important role in supporting recreation, health and wellness, arts and culture, youth, education, the environment, and other needs in the community.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Olivia Mowatt
Senior Communications Officer
Prince Rupert Port Authority
250-627-2588
omowatt@rupertport.com
Veronika Stewart
Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development|
City of Prince Rupert
250-627-0976
veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca
EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 15, 2024
PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Santa Claus is returning to the North Coast this holiday season aboard the Jingle Boat Express on the Inside Passage. The popular community event is making a comeback with the support of Northern Savings Credit Union, Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA), AltaGas, DP World, Pembina, and Saam Towage.
For the first time since 2019, local families will have the opportunity to set sail with Santa as he spreads holiday cheer around Prince Rupert harbour. Four festive sailings are scheduled to depart from Cow Bay Marina on Sunday December 8th at 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm.
Demand is expected to be high, and those interested in purchasing tickets are asked to pre-register at https://altagas.ticketspice.com/jingleboat-express to enter a draw.
The winners will be randomly chosen for the four sailings and contacted directly by organizers. Families can purchase a maximum of four passes for $5 each. Tickets must be paid for in cash on the day of the event, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert to support local children and families in need.
“The Jingle Boat Express is one of my favourite ways to visit Prince Rupert and I cannot wait to be back on the water with young and old to share these magical moments together once again,” said Santa Claus.
“The Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert is thrilled to see this beloved local tradition being revived for the benefit of children and families on the North Coast,” said Anna Zanella, Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert Executive Director. “We extend our gratitude to the Jingle Boat Express sponsors, community members, and Santa Claus for all their support this holiday season.”
Those needing assistance to enter the draw can visit PRPA’s Port Interpretive Centre (100-215 Cow Bay Road) from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
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FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Olivia Mowatt
Senior Communications Officer
Prince Rupert Port Authority
omowatt@rupertport.com
EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 13, 2024
PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund is helping transform healthcare for vulnerable newborns, mothers, and their families in northwest BC. Through a partnership with the Dr. REM Lee Hospital Foundation, PRPA is committing $430,000 to the region’s first ever Tier 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Nursery. This investment will help keep patients closer to their homes, families, and support systems during their most physically and emotionally challenging days.
The $14.5 million state-of-the-art facility will soon open at the new Ksyen Regional Hospital in Terrace to serve mothers and babies from Atlin and Dease Lake to the north and Kitimat to the south; Smithers and Houston to the east and Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii to the west.
“The NICU and Special Care Nursery will save many at-risk patients the hazards and stress of being medically evacuated to Vancouver or Prince George and spare their families the complexities and financial burdens of travelling to an unfamiliar place to be with their loved ones during a traumatic time,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. “We are honoured to help provide greater access to high-level care and better outcomes for people from across northwest BC.”
“Over the last 3.5 years, 93 mothers with a birth emergency were transferred out of our region to hospitals with higher level of care. 55 newborns made this same precarious journey. That is 148 families who coped with the stress of separation and travel associated with these transfers,” said Chris Mallett, Dr. REM Lee Foundation President. “The goal is to reduce the cost and trauma for other northern families like these!”
The new NICU and Special Care Nursery will offer an advanced level of obstetrical and neonatal services. With expanded birthing capabilities, the unit will be able to support deliveries and newborn care at 34 weeks, and in emergent cases 32 weeks – five weeks ahead of existing capacities.
With this project, PRPA has now contributed over $500,000 to Dr. REM Lee Foundation’s initiatives to enhance regional healthcare. Since the Community Investment Fund’s inception, PRPA has committed more than $1.65 million to projects that improve the quality of care and comfort for northwest BC residents of all ages.
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ABOUT THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND
The Community Investment Fund is financed by a share of the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s annual net income that has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of the North Coast. By investing these funds into community projects, led mostly by dedicated local volunteers, the Port Authority has been able to share its financial success with the communities that enable it. Since 2010, more than $18.9 million has been committed to the Fund, helping to bring more than 115 local and regional projects to life. Each of these projects has filled an important role in supporting recreation, health and wellness, arts and culture, youth, education, the environment, and other needs in the community.
PAST HEALTHCARE PROJECTS:
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Bed Replacement Project – $150,000
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Enhanced Laparoscopic Tower – $128,050
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Second Laparoscopic Tower – $128,000
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Maternity Ward Renovation – $125,000
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Visiting Specialist Optimization – $108,000
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Cancer Care Unit upgrade – $100,000
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Diagnostic Ultrasound Machine upgrade – $72,500
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital X-Ray Machine Replacement – $69,750
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Orthopedic Surgical Equipment – $60,500
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Laparoscopic Surgical Tower – $60,000
- Mills Memorial Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat Navigation System – $51,000
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital In-patient Bathtub upgrade – $45,500
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Palliative Care upgrades – $36,500
- Prince Rupert Hospital Cancer Screening Scope Guide – $35,260
- Mills Memorial Hospital Uterine Scope & Fluid Management System – $19,500
- Acropolis Manor Wall Wrap Project – $18,130
- Acropolis Manor Door Wrap Project – $15,000
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Olivia Mowatt
Senior Communications Officer
Prince Rupert Port Authority
omowatt@rupertport.com
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 17, 2024
PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund is giving another major boost to local healthcare fundraising efforts with a significant contribution to the Rampage Fights Cancer campaign. The initiative, led by the Rupert Rampage hockey team with strong support from community and local business, aims to enhance cancer care at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital. Their goal is to help provide North Coast residents with greater access to diagnostics and treatment closer to home.
Last season, the campaign raised over $128,000 for the North Coast Health Improvement Society through donations from community members and local businesses. PRPA is stepping up, matching that sum to bring the total to over $256,000. These funds are going towards the purchase of a new laparoscopic tower that will improve access to surgical services in the community for those requiring treatment.
“We share the commitment to strengthening local healthcare and equipping Prince Rupert Regional Hospital with top-of-the-line equipment, that can facilitate a broad range of surgical procedures and save patients and their families from travelling outside the community to receive care,” said Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority.
“The outstanding generosity of our community and our title sponsor, the Prince Rupert Port Authority, has propelled the Rampage Fights Cancer campaign to new heights,” said Brett Stava, Prince Rupert Rampage President. “For over a decade, the Rampage and PRPA have worked closely together to make positive change in Prince Rupert, and we’re excited to continue that tradition.”
For the 2024-25 season, these longtime partners are launching a new initiative: PRPA & Rampage Fight Cancer Together. Fans can show their support by purchasing new limited edition pink toques at the Rampage merchandise booth. 100 percent of the proceeds will go towards this season’s fundraising total and supporting healthcare on the North Coast.
Since its inception, the Community Investment Fund has committed more than $1 million to 15 healthcare projects in Prince Rupert including:
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Maternity Ward Renovation – $125,000
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Visiting Specialist Optimization – $108,000
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Enhanced Laparoscopic Tower – $128,050
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Bed Replacement Project – $150,000
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Cancer Care Unit upgrade – $100,000
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Diagnostic Ultrasound Machine upgrade – $72,500
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital X-Ray Machine Replacement – $69,750
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Orthopedic Surgical Equipment – $60,500
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Laparoscopic Surgical Tower – $60,000
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital In-patient Bathtub upgrade – $45,500
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Palliative Care upgrades – $36,500
- Prince Rupert Hospital Cancer Screening Scope Guide – $35,260
- Acropolis Manor Wall Wrap Project – $18,130
- Acropolis Manor Door Wrap Project – $15,000
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 10, 2024
PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Audiences at the Lester Centre of the Arts will experience a greater level of comfort, through the efforts of the Prince Rupert Performing Arts Centre Society and the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund. This valuable partnership is ushering in a new era for the city’s key landmark for arts and culture with the installation of new seating throughout the theatre. The upgrades are the latest in a multi-phase modernization supported by PRPA, to enable the longevity of the facility.
The new seats replace the original theatre seating that had been in use since the Lester Centre of the Arts opened in 1987. The 694 seats were nearing the end of their lifespan and upgrades were necessary to ensure the theatre can continue to provide a safe, comfortable, and accessible space for local audiences for decades to come.
“In the 37-year history of the Lester Centre of the Arts, the Prince Rupert Port Authority has been one of its biggest supporters. We are extremely grateful for their tremendous contribution to our ‘Please Be Seated’ project, which continues their long tradition of supporting this beautiful community asset,” said Chris Armstrong, Lester Centre of the Arts General Manager.
“The Lester Centre of the Arts is an essential piece of civic infrastructure, and the Prince Rupert Port Authority is committed to investing in its future and extending its legacy as the community’s central hub for music, dance, theatre, cultural celebrations, and milestone events,” said Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority.
PRPA’s Community Investment Fund contributed $302,500 to the seating upgrade, which will enhance the experience for the 10,000 audience members who come through the facility annually. PRPA has now committed more than $1,000,000 to modernizing the Lester Centre of the Arts, through this and five other Community Investment Fund projects:
- Stage floor replacement: $148,160
- Stage lighting upgrade: $114,500
- Roof replacement phase I: $74,590
- Sound system upgrade: $103,000
- Roof replacement phase II: $317,540
