PRPA and Metlakatla Development Corporation Partner to Develop New Import Logistics Project

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