A decision on whether to approve the Port of Vancouver Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project is on the desk of the federal environment minister following an impact…
The expansion extends the existing Roberts Bank Terminal on the jetty out into the Strait of Georgia, near the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. It will provide additional container handling capacity to reduce the congestion in English Bay and Inner Harbour as well as Fraser River terminals.Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Calgary Herald, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
This project will impact all Canadians, but especially those in the West where 19 per cent of Saskatchewan’s GDP and eight per cent of Alberta’s move through the port. In 2020, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba’s 41,000 grain farms shipped over 35 million metric tonnes – a 100per cent increase over 10 years – of wheat, canola, barley and specialty crops.
There is no doubt that the project will increase the adverse environmental effects of the existing terminal. The impact assessment process began almost 10 years ago. The report of the review panel found significant adverse effects on the environment, including salmon and bird habitats and direct impact on killer whales. Since that report was released two years ago, the Port has worked to reduce those impacts, incorporating Indigenous knowledge and other research to find new solutions.
There are also adverse land use and cultural effects for affected First Nations. Supplies of traditional food and access to cultural sites are among the issues. Consultations and engagement with 46 First Nations during the assessment and in response to the report have led to major relationship agreements with the Tsawwassen and Musqueam First Nations and mutual benefits agreements with 26 others.
To be sure, the project will still create adverse effects, but the review process has resulted in improvements for the environment, local residents and Indigenous rights holders. Cabinet’s job is to make a decision in the national interest – balancing positive and negative impacts, as well as local, regional and national impacts.Share this article in your social network
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