The operator of the container port at Roberts Bank will have its alternative to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s proposed Terminal 2 mega project heard.
The federal government is currently considering an independent review panel’s final report on the port authority’s application to build a three-berth terminal on a new man-made island adjacent to the existing Deltaport, a project called Terminal 2 (T2), but Global Container Terminals is hoping its proposal to instead build a fourth berth at the existing facility will be looked upon more favourably.
GCT on Thursday announced its Initial Project Description (IPD) for the Deltaport Berth 4 Expansion (DP4) project was approved by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office.
GCT says it’s a critical milestone that marks the entry of the alternative project into the regulatory process and opens official public access and engagement with the first phase, which involves planning.
GCT also says it is excited to enter this phase of the project and welcomes comments, questions, and engagement from all stakeholders and interested parties.
The project will provide incremental, market-driven capacity through a phased expansion of the current terminal footprint, adding up to two million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) of new capacity, as it is needed, GCT states.
“GCT has a proud history and an exceptional record of delivering projects that are economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable. Approval of its IPD proves GCT’s DP4 project is a serious contender to provide needed capacity in the Port of Vancouver within the next decade,” GCT notes in a news release.
Meanwhile, a decision on T2 was expected this November.
The port authority in August asked Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jonathan Wilkinson for an extension of the deadline for making a decision, noting it would allow time to undertake additional consultation with Indigenous groups and other stakeholders, as well as work on mitigation and offsetting plans.
The minister responded with a request for additional information on the mitigation plans, as well as asking for updated economic and employment estimates.
As a result, the federal timeline to make a decision was paused and the government is not expected to issue its decision this year.
A recent Delta city staff report to council notes that more work needs to be done on the proposed mitigation measures.
