Prince Rupert Port Authority Announces Milestone on Ridley Island Export Logistics Project

Prince Rupert Port Authority Announces Milestone on Ridley Island Export Logistics Project

March 2, 2023

The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) announced today that the Ridley Island Export Logistics Project (RIELP) has reached a significant milestone with the receipt of its final determination of the Federal environmental effects evaluation review.

The Federal Authorities have determined, in accordance with the requirements of Section 82 of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), that the Ridley Island Export Logistics Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. This concludes the Federal environmental review process, which is a prerequisite for the Federal Authorities to consider the required authorizations for the project to proceed.

Following receipt of required permits, early works are planned to begin in early March, with tree clearing and site preparation activities. PRPA continues to work toward making a Final Investment Decision on the project with its commercial partners, expected later this year.

Planned for the southern end of Ridley Island, the export logistics complex will be an integrated ecosystem of large-scale bulk and breakbulk transload facilities, intermodal rail yard, and a container storage yard. The development will create an innovative and competitive transloading facility for commodities such as plastic pellets, cereal grains, speciality agriculture crops, lumber, and pulp to be loaded directly from rail into containers for export, creating 400,000 TEUs of export capacity in the first phase. The new export logistics facility will increase efficiencies in export supply chains, maximizing value to Canadian exporters while supporting the substantial growth of the intermodal business at the Port of Prince Rupert.

The Ridley Island Export Logistics Project is a vital component of the Port of Prince Rupert’s development plan for fully integrating intermodal activities between terminal, logistics and rail. The environmental benefits of the export logistics project include the densification of transload activities into a single location on Ridley Island to minimize land impacts, and proximity to Fairview Container Terminal via the dedicated Fairview-Ridley Connector Corridor to minimize container truck movements and emissions, while maximizing rail usage on common infrastructure.

For more information on the Federal Environmental Determination, visit:
https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/80610

For more information on the Ridley Island Export Logistics Project (RIELP), visit: https://www.rupertport.com/active_project/ridley-island-export-logistics-platform/

Prince Rupert Port Authority Celebrates a Decade of Green Wave Program

February 23, 2023

The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) is marking the tenth anniversary of its Green Wave program by honouring five companies for their outstanding participation in the initiative last year.

The recipients of the 2022 Green Wave Award include container shipping companies COSCO Shipping Lines, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, and SM Line, along with liquified gas shipping line, Navigator Gas LLC, and BC Ferries. PRPA also acknowledges the owners of two vessels – PIAVIA and NBA Rubens – for actively employing technology to reduce the underwater noise generated by their respective ships and its impact on the communications of marine mammals on the North Coast.

Launched in 2013, PRPA’s Green Wave program provides financial incentives to shippers who voluntarily invest in environmentally sustainable practices. Commercial vessels are assessed and allotted savings on their harbour dues based on the magnitude of their air emission and underwater noise performance. PRPA continues to enhance and adapt the Green Wave program standards to meet the evolving best practices recognized across the global maritime industry.

In 2022, PRPA introduced a new incentive for cargo vessels that plug into shore power at Fairview Container Terminal. This recently expanded infrastructure allows ships at both berths to shut down their main generators and rely on shore-based hydroelectric power while their cargo is handled. Enabling ships to use shore power equipment is expected to reduce carbon emissions in the local airshed by nearly 30,000 tonnes annually – the equivalent to removing 6,500 typical passenger vehicles from the road every year.

“The Prince Rupert Port Authority commends the recipients of the 2022 Green Wave Award for their shared commitment to reducing the impacts of commercial shipping operations and passenger transportation on Canada’s west coast,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. “PRPA is proud of its leadership in sustainability programs and the participation rate it garners from the shipping industry calling on the Port of Prince Rupert as we all work together to continuously improve environmental performance in our industry and accelerate the adoption of sustainability practices globally. The Green Wave program is one of the many ways in which we work to achieve this.” The Green Wave program and shore power project are key components of PRPA’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and reflect the efforts to actively reduce carbon dioxide, airborne particulates, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide in the airshed surrounding the Port of Prince Rupert and ensure local air quality remains high. Curtailing marine-based air emissions also contributes to PRPA’s goal to curtail carbon intensity at the Port of Prince Rupert by a further 30 percent by 2030, with a further goal of achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050.

QUICK FACTS:

  • 208 vessel calls met the strict criteria to qualify for the Green Wave program in 2022
  • 42 of those calls met the standards for Green Wave under the RightShip Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) Rating. The method, developed by the world’s leader in maritime environmental assessment, rates vessels on their relative efficiency. As a result, approximately 4,785 tonnes of GHG emissions were avoided in the local airshed, which is equivalent to removing 1,008 passenger vehicles from the road for a year.  
  • The Port of Prince Rupert is one of only two ports in Canada to currently provide shore power to container vessels at berth.
  • 2022 marked the inaugural call for the SHOFU MARU vessel, a new bulk carrier equipped with a telescopic hard sail that uses wind power to help propel the vessel, significantly reducing the amount of fuel used on each sailing.

2022 Green Wave Award Announcement from Prince Rupert Port Authority on Vimeo.

Innovative New Look Coming to Port Interpretive Centre

February 8, 2023

The Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Port Interpretive Centre, which also serves as the local Visitor Information Centre, is preparing for big changes. The space in Cow Bay’s Atlin Terminal is set to undergo a full revitalization with reimagined interior displays that better reflect the dynamic, diverse, and growing trade gateway and communities that it showcases.

The updated Port Interpretive Centre design will include unique interactive and educational elements, career planning tools, and activities for youth to learn about the bustling harbour and the many types of vessels and cargoes moving through the Prince Rupert Gateway.

To ensure the renovations are completed safely and within the projected installation timeline, the Port Interpretive Centre will be closed to the public from February 15th until mid-June, before traditional summer visitor volumes begin to increase. Travel planning resources will still be available online during this time, and PRPA’s Port Interpretive Centre staff will continue to be available by phone and via email to assist with requests during regular Port Interpretive Centre hours.

“Much has changed in the 10+ years since the Port Interpretive Centre first opened and the newly refreshed space will reflect the evolution of our Gateway and the innovation and diverse workforce that are driving its future,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. “We look forward to unveiling the new design and creating a more open, interactive, and welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.”

“We are happy to be working with the Prince Rupert Port Authority to enhance our Visitor Centre in Cow Bay. The renovations will provide a fresh and modern space to enhance the experience of our guests. We will continue to provide top-notch visitor services remotely during the closure, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to the new space,” said Ceilidh Marlow, Executive Director, Tourism Prince Rupert.

Recognizing the Port Interpretive Centre’s role in providing visitor services, PRPA and Tourism Prince Rupert are working together to mitigate the impacts this may have. In particular, this project is expected to overlap with the beginning of the cruise season, and efforts are focused on ensuring cruise visitors have access to information and services in the cruise terminal area.

Prince Rupert Salvation Army Set to Open New Community Kitchen with Huge Boost from PRPA

February 6, 2023

The Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund has partnered with the Prince Rupert Salvation Army to transform its community kitchen, enabling the non-profit organization to relocate its Community Food Bank and centralize its many services and programs under one roof. The extensive redevelopment project cost more than $1.15 million, with PRPA’s Community Investment Fund providing $450,000 – nearly 40 percent of the expenses. The upgrades bring the kitchen space to commercial standards and ensures the Salvation Army has the infrastructure in place to better serve the growing needs of the community well into the future. 
 
Located in the Prince Rupert Salvation Army Family Services Centre, the updated kitchen space is designed to be larger and safer, with the capacity to feed a greater number of people. Upgrades include a new commercial grade kitchen, walk-in freezer and fridge, expanded dry food storage area, plus new kitchen equipment and supplies to expand soup kitchen services, food hampers and more.

“We are now equipped with new tools and the space necessary to offer a greater level of service through our Continuum-of-Care model,” said Lieutenant Dawn Butt, Prince Rupert Salvation Army. “We are grateful for the outstanding support and commitment from the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund, which allows our organization to open this new chapter in its history on the North Coast.” 
 
“The Salvation Army has played a vital role in Prince Rupert for over four decades, providing nutritious meals and food through its soup kitchen and food bank that serve the needs of the most vulnerable in our community,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. “This project enables them to deliver those critical services more efficiently and continue to promote healthy living and development amongst individuals and families.” 
 
On Friday March 3rd between 12pm and 1:30pm, PRPA and the Salvation Army are hosting a ‘Soup for the Soul’ event to celebrate the grand opening of the revitalized community kitchen. Community members are encouraged to show their support by donating to the cause and assist in filling the shelves of the overhauled space.

PRPA Makes Its Largest Local Healthcare Investment To Date

February 2, 2023

Two North Coast healthcare facilities – Prince Rupert Regional Hospital and Acropolis Manor – are furnished with 61 new hospital beds, bringing a much higher level of comfort and accessibility for patients, long-term care residents, and staff. The beds were replaced through a partnership between the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund and the North Coast Health Improvement Society (NCHIS) as part of both organizations’ ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of healthcare for people living in the region.

The new hospital beds offer a suite of features that make them safer, more efficient, and capable of accommodating people with a wide range of physical needs. Equipped with two sets of controls, the beds easily lower to the ground, helping prevent falls as patients get in-and-out. Conversely, the beds also rise to meet the individual heights of healthcare providers, reducing the number of repetitive stress injuries incurred while attending to patients. Additionally, a single mechanism is required to lock the beds in place, whereas the old beds required four separate locks to keep them from moving. The new beds are also easily adjustable and capable of fitting two different sizes of mattresses, to best suit the needs of the patient.

“This project helps modernize our local healthcare facilities, enables a greater standard of care for people receiving treatment here in our community, and improves the working environment for the dedicated staff who provide that care,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority.

“The Bed Replacement project would not have been possible without the generous support of the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund, which fully aligns with our endeavours to purchase equipment and support programs that enhance health and wellness for people in our region,” said Stefan Delloch, President, North Coast Health Improvement Society.

PRPA’s Community Investment Fund provided $150,000 towards this $300,000 project. DP World Prince Rupert also contributed to the total. Over the past decade, PRPA has committed more than $570,000 to projects that enhance and upgrade Prince Rupert Regional Hospital and Acropolis Manor, including:

• Enhanced Cancer Care Unit: $100,000
• Cancer Screening Scope Guide: $35,260
• X-Ray Machine Replacement: $69,750
• Orthopedic Surgical Equipment: $60,500
• In-patient Bathtub Upgrade: $45,500
• Diagnostic Ultrasound Machine Upgrade: $72,500
• Palliative Care Upgrades: $36,500

Port of Prince Rupert’s Annual Cargo Volumes Drop for Second Consecutive Year

January 19, 2023

The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) announced today that 24.6 million tonnes of cargo moved through the Port of Prince Rupert in 2022, two percent behind 2021 volumes.

The slight year-over-year decrease reflects the mounting challenges brought on by supply chain disruptions affecting imports and exports, rapidly changing energy demands, and geopolitical tensions over the past 12 months. Despite the current volatility, considerable strides were made toward developing a more resilient and sustainable trade gateway in the near and long-term through further diversification, new capacity, and expanded services. 

“The Port of Prince Rupert needs to evolve its services and capabilities, or our Gateway’s competitiveness will erode. Global trade and supply chains are changing rapidly, and we must adapt,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. “It highlights the importance of the projects that are currently in development, including container terminal and logistics service expansions, as well as the expansion and diversification of existing terminals and creation of new export facilities needed to support Canada’s role in global energy security. As these projects reach critical decision points, 2023 will define the future of the Port of Prince Rupert.”

DP World Prince Rupert’s Fairview Container Terminal saw a 2 percent decrease in its intermodal volumes in 2022. Growth was hampered due to congestion at inland ports that impacted operations and fluidity in Q2 and Q3. Amid the backlog, the southern expansion of Fairview Terminal increased its total annual capacity to 1.6 million TEUs. This project enables greater resiliency and adds much-needed intermodal capacity on Canada’s west coast. Planning for a northern expansion of Fairview Container Terminal is underway, with construction anticipated to begin in 2023. Once completed, the terminal’s capacity will reach 1.8 million TEUs.  

Trigon Pacific Terminals, formerly Ridley Terminals Inc., moved over 7 million tonnes through its coal terminal. 2022 coal volumes represent a 3 percent decrease over the previous year. In November, Trigon announced it was approved for a $75 million contribution from the National Trade Corridors Fund towards the construction of a second berth that will enable the terminal to diversify its cargo mix and double its export capacity.

Demand for western Canadian energy products remained strong in 2022, with AltaGas’ Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal shipping 1.7 million tonnes, a 17 percent increase over 2021. Pembina’s Watson Island LPG Bulk Terminal entered its second year of operations, handling over 538,000 tonnes, a 45 percent jump year-over-year. Drax’s Westview Wood Pellet Terminal saw a 6 percent increase in volumes, with over 1.5 million tonnes sent to markets in Europe and Asia.

A poor crop year contributed to Prince Rupert Grain experiencing a challenging start to 2022 and resulted in the terminal shipping over 3.2 million tonnes of agricultural products, a 9 percent drop year-over-year. A significantly stronger 2022 harvest year led to healthier export volumes in Q4, and the terminal is on track to rebound in 2023.  

Cruise ships returned to Prince Rupert in 2022 in a significant way after a two-year hiatus, marking the busiest cruise season in over a decade at the Port. 40,998 cruise passengers transited through Prince Rupert, a 230 percent increase over 2019 levels. PRPA also announced a 10-year Terminal Operating Agreement with Global Ports Holding (GPH) – the world’s largest independent cruise port operator. Starting in 2023, GPH will manage the shore excursion program and oversee all cruise scheduling and passenger services at the Port of Prince Rupert.  

In 2022, the Port of Prince Rupert moved ahead on numerous strategic projects that are critical to expand and diversify the trade gateway. These projects are essential elements in ensuring the Port of Prince Rupert can continue to anchor competitive, resilient, and sustainable Canadian trade and supply chains: 

  • The Vopak Pacific Canada project reached a significant regulatory milestone when federal authorities reached a final determination on the project’s Environmental Effects Evaluation. Vopak continues to consider a final investment decision for the bulk liquids storage facility located on Ridley Island.
  • The completion of the Fairview Container Terminal southern expansion coincided with the commissioning of PRPA’s new Fairview-Ridley Connector Corridor – a 5km private haul road and two additional rail sidings – that shortens the truck distance to the terminal, diverts container truck traffic away from public roadways, and links Fairview to future transloading facilities on Ridley Island.
  • Progress was made on two unique transloading facilities at the Port of Prince Rupert. Early works have begun on the South Kaien Import Logistics Park that will provide for the development of expanded import transloading services at the Gateway. PRPA also continues to advance the development of the proposed Ridley Island Export Logistics Platform, which will enable large scale transloading at the Port and unlock new opportunities for western Canadian producers and exporters.  
  • PRPA and DP World entered into a two-year agreement to assess the feasibility of a second container terminal, which would double intermodal capacity at the Port. The proposed terminal represents the continued advancement of PRPA’s container terminal master plan, which outlined the potential for a second intermodal terminal with considerable employment and economic benefits to the regional and national economies.  
  • Shore power was commissioned at both berths at Fairview Container Terminal, allowing ships to power down their generators and rely on electrical power while at berth. Shore power is a key part of PRPA’s Carbon Reduction Plan, which aims to reduce the Port’s greenhouse gas intensity by 30 percent from 2018 levels by the year 2030 and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 
  • Wolverine Terminals completed the construction of the berth for its upcoming marine fueling delivery service. The rail and fuel distribution barges are under construction with expected delivery in 2023. This project will provide important fueling services to cruise and cargo vessels in Prince Rupert.

“We are focused on continuing the challenging task of developing a dynamic gateway that serves Canada’s trade needs and plays an important role in aiding the global energy transition,” said Stevenson. “The Port has the opportunity to secure over $2 billion in new project investment in 2023, which represents supply chain capacity and resiliency for the country, and new employment, economic opportunity and tax base for the local community and region.  PRPA’s commitment to realizing a vision of a competitive, diverse, sustainable gateway will ensure we continue to build a better Canada, and a better Prince Rupert, by growing trade.” 

Click here to see the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s December 2022 traffic summary. 

Port of Prince Rupert Activates Shore Power to Reduce Ship Emissions

December 14, 2022

The Port of Prince Rupert has achieved a significant milestone in its emissions reduction measures with expanded shore power capacity at DP World Prince Rupert’s Fairview Container Terminal. New electrical infrastructure was installed at the Terminal’s north berth and upgrades were made to the south berth through a partnership between the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA), DP World, and BC Hydro. The full commissioning of the shore power system now allows ships at both berths to shut down their main generators and rely on specially equipped dockside power connections while their cargo is being loaded and unloaded. The first ship to utilize the new north berth shore power system was the COSCO CSCL Summer on December 12, 2022.

The ability to plug in large container vessels to shore power while at either terminal berth is forecast to reduce carbon emissions by almost 30,000 tonnes annually, as well as other air emissions related to vessel exhaust such as nitrogen oxides and particulates, from the local airshed. That is the equivalent of removing over 6,500 typical passenger vehicles from the road.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority, DP World Prince Rupert, and BC Hydro contributions to the project were supported by $2.2 million in funding toward the $7.6 million project provided through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund and was coordinated through BMO Radicle.

“Shore power capacity is a critical component of the Port of Prince Rupert’s carbon reduction strategy and aligns with global efforts to transition the shipping and marine industries to renewable, clean energy sources,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. “Offering this infrastructure at our Port enables customers to make more sustainable choices about how they transport their cargo and the benefits it will have in reducing their overall carbon footprint.”

“Shore power demonstrates DP World’s commitment to a sustainable operation as we cut CO2 emissions globally by nearly 700,000 tonnes over the next five years,” said Maksim Mihic, CEO and General Manager, DP World (Canada) Inc. “In addition, to the shortest ship crossing from Asia to North America, and the greenest rail connection, this will position Prince Rupert as a leader in eco-friendly port operations. We want to thank our partners as we work together to reduce our impact on the environment.”

The shore power project is a key part of PRPA’s Carbon Reduction Plan, which aims to reduce the Port’s greenhouse gas intensity by 30 percent from 2018 levels by the year 2030 and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Carbon emissions from marine sources are a key focus for the plan, and local shore power complements other international efforts to improve air quality and abate emissions such as low-sulfur fuel regulations and developing new fuel and technological changes to ocean-going vessels.

Time Lapse Video of Shore Power Commissioning on December 12, 2022

Two Northwest BC Salmon Enhancement Projects Receive PRPA Funding

December 12, 2022

The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) announced today that it has contributed over $94,000 to two unique projects that support research and monitoring of salmon populations in the Skeena River estuary and its tributaries. The funds were allocated through PRPA’s Skeena River Salmon Enhancement Program, an initiative established in 2019 to provide $1 million in financial support to projects that increase salmon productivity and the maintenance and rehabilitation of habitat in the Skeena River watershed.  

Through a partnership with Lax Kw’alaams Fishing Enterprises Ltd., PRPA contributed $70,142 toward the Multi-Year Juvenile Salmon Habitat and Eulachon Inventory Study as part of the Program. This project is aimed at building the knowledge base for healthy wild runs and successful enhancement on the Skeena, through surveying and analyzing fish habitat and the enumeration of eulachon, a preferred prey for salmon.  

“Developing these benchmarks is critical to implementing future measures for eelgrass planting and salmon habitat restoration. With the support of the Skeena River Salmon Enhancement Program, we have made meaningful strides towards gathering the necessary data to further conservation efforts in the Skeena River estuary,” said Jay Alexcee with Lax Kw’alaams Fishing Enterprises Ltd. 

Further upstream, PRPA partnered with the Chicago Creek Community Environmental Enhancement Society through the Program to support the monitoring of Pink and Coho populations at Mission Creek, a tributary of the Bulkley River which flows into the Skeena. PRPA contributed $24,000 to replace an aging fish fence, which is used for the enumeration of wild salmon stocks as part of a 25-year escapement data set.

“Without escapement data, protection measures would not be possible. The Mission Creek Fish Fence Rebuild Project is critical in order to move coho above an impassable barrier at Highway 16 and this infrastructure ensures coho have access to important habitat for years to come,” said Brenda Donas with the Chicago Creek Community Environmental Enhancement Society.

“We are privileged to partner with local organizations from across northwest BC who share our commitment to improving the health and abundance of wild salmon stocks throughout the Skeena River watershed. Through the collection of key data, these projects will help influence longterm planning and offer opportunities for additional research into salmon populations here on the West Coast of Canada,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. 

Since the inception of the Skeena River Salmon Enhancement Program, PRPA has contributed over $365,000 to projects across the Northwest region, including the two announced today. 

2021 – Toboggan Creek Hatchery Modernization Project 

  • Partner: Toboggan Creek Salmon & Steelhead Enhancement Society 
  • $60,000 contribution 

2020 – Skeena Sockeye Century Project  

  • Partner: SkeenaWild Conservation Trust 
  • $50,000 contribution 

2019 – Skeena River Estuary Dissolved Organic Carbon Study 

  • Partner: Skeena Fisheries Commission 
  • $33,425 contribution 

2019 – Gitanyow Lake Sockeye Salmon Assessment 

  • Partner: Skeena Fisheries Commission 
  • $25,500 contribution 

2019 – Kitwanga River Chum Salmon Enhancement Study 

  • Partner: Gitanyow Fisheries Authority 
  • $12,000 contribution 

2019 – Kispiox River Watersheds Temperature Monitoring Initiative 

  • Partner: Gitxsan Watershed Authorities 
  • $22,960 contribution 

2019 – Lower Skeena River Pound Net Feasibility Study and Construction Project  

  • Partner: Lax Kw’alaams Fisheries 
  • $67,487 contribution 

ABOUT THE SKEENA RIVER SALMON ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM:

The Skeena River Salmon Enhancement Program was established by the Prince Rupert Port Authority in 2019 with a $1 million endowment from its Community Investment Fund. The goal of the program is to team up with regional partners such as First Nations, non-governmental organizations, and community groups on projects that enhance the salmon population and protect their habitat in the Skeena River and its watershed. The program also provides the opportunity to partner with other agencies and organizations leading similar initiatives to leverage additional financial resources toward this important priority. In addition to monetary support, PRPA is also seeking ways to share capacity and data from its existing environmental stewardship programs to enhance new and existing salmon-related initiatives.

PRPA Partners with School District 52 to Build New Outdoor Classroom

November 30, 2022

A new outdoor classroom is opening a world of new learning opportunities for Lax Kxeen Elementary School students and the surrounding community. The covered structure was built through a partnership between the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund and School District 52 (SD52). The sheltered space encourages students and educators to take their lessons outside, where they can experience their surroundings in a unique, safe, and accessible environment, and provides a new place for local daycares and other community groups to meet for outdoor activities, rain or shine.

The outdoor classroom is directly beside the school’s accessible playground, which was built in partnership with PRPA through a previous Community Investment Fund project with the Lax Kxeen Elementary School Parent Advisory Committee. Nestled near the school’s gymnasium entrance, this location provides additional protection from the elements and direct exterior access to washroom facilities, which community groups can also gain permission to use. Built by local contractors, the 20’x20’ steel structure features a skylight, allowing natural light to illuminate the space. The soft rubber flooring is extended from the playground into the classroom area, making it accessible for people with varying degrees of mobility.

“Taking students outside is good for their mental health and wellbeing, and it adds a different perspective to the classroom experience by expanding their learning environment and allowing them to engage all of their senses,” said Susan Kobza, former Lax Kxeen Elementary School Principal and project proponent. “Using the outdoor classroom as a starting point, classes can then carry on exploring the nearby creek and greenspaces that surround us, learning hands-on about our natural environment.”

“The outdoor classroom project is a testament to the immense creativity and passion of the educators and staff at Lax Kxeen Elementary School who helped develop and champion this concept, to further expand the opportunities available to their students,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. “We look forward to seeing the many ways in which it is put to use for learning and play.”

“Through partnership anything is possible and working together with the Community Investment Fund for the benefit of our students, families, and the neighbourhood at large, we have created a space that truly serves the needs of our community,” said Kate Toye, School District 52 School Board Chair.

“This addition enriches the outdoor space well beyond school hours and deepens our connections by bringing our community to our school, all the time, which is something we strive for,” said Andrew Samoil, School District 52 Superintendent.

The total cost for the Outdoor Classroom Project was $81,820, with the Community Investment Fund contributing $40,320. PRPA, SD52 and multiple Parent Advisory Committees have worked together several times in the past to develop new assets in the community; these projects include

  • 2022 Roosevelt Park Elementary School Accessible Playground $220,000
  • 2020 Lax Kxeen Accessible Playground $70,000
  • 2018 Conrad Elementary School Accessible Park Project $116,225
  • 2017 Pineridge Accessible Playground Project $37,500
  • 2014 Roosevelt Community Playground Project $35,344
  • 2013 Charles Hays Secondary School Turf Replacement Project $100,000
  • 2013 Trades Training Project $100,000

Check out photos from the official opening of the outdoor classroom on Halloween during the students’ costume parade:

The Vopak Pacific Canada project has reached a significant project milestone with the final determination of its Federal environmental effects evaluation review. Vopak Development Canada Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Vopak, is investigating the opportunity to construct, own and operate a bulk liquids storage facility located on Ridley Island within the lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Transport Canada (together called the “Federal Authorities”) have determined, in accordance with the requirements of Section 67 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (“CEAA 2012”) and Section 82 of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), that the Vopak Pacific Canada Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Throughout the environmental review process, Federal Authorities consulted with the Indigenous Nations on the project’s potential impacts to the environment, Indigenous peoples, and their Interests and Rights.

Rendering of proposed Vopak Pacific Canada facility.

This project received its Environmental Assessment Certificate from the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office in April 2022.

This concludes both the Federal and Provincial environmental review processes, which is a prerequisite for the Federal Authorities to consider the required authorizations for the project to proceed. Vopak continues to work toward obtaining remaining permits and making a Final Investment Decision on the project.

For more information on the Federal Environmental Determination, visit:
https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/81744

To learn more about the Vopak Pacific Canada project, visit:
https://vopakpacificcanada.com/

For more information on the B.C. Environmental Assessment Certificate, visit:
https://projects.eao.gov.bc.ca/p/5b61e3726952ca0024cf687c/project-details