Stakeholders on Vancouver Island are calling on the B.C. government to develop a provincial plan for ports.
In a press release, the Nanaimo-Lantzville Business Leaders Advisory Council asked the government to make it a priority to create an in-depth port strategy that takes into account "the central role of ports in building economic resilience, supply chain modernization and driving regional opportunity."
B.C. is challenged by a combination of global trade volatility, infrastructure stress, and a need to de-carbonize logistics systems, the release stated. As the country expands commerce with partners across the globe, limitations at ports could hinder growth of the flow of goods to new markets on the Pacific Rim and beyond, the release added.
"We believe the Port of Nanaimo can be a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economic future,” said Yuho Okada, council chairperson, in the press release. “With its strategic location, existing infrastructure and access, and community alignment, it’s uniquely positioned to relieve pressure on the Lower Mainland, open new trade corridors, and create high-quality jobs – locally and across the province.”
The release comes after research into gaps in the Island supply chain, which pointed to over-reliance "on a single ferry corridor" and few other choices for transportation of goods.
"This isn’t just about Nanaimo,” said Okada. “It’s about unlocking capacity across the Island, connecting all ports across British Columbia, supporting provincial growth, and ensuring that strategic integration of infrastructure decisions shape B.C.’s future.”
The advisory council, a non-partisan body of local business and civic leaders, was assembled by Nanaimo-Lantzville MLA George Anderson.
"The group is very much focused on how we can increase economic development and opportunities for our province as we look at the big picture on how we move goods around, how we make Vancouver Island more resilient and also the province in light of the tariffs from Donald Trump," Anderson said. "This is clearly one of the things they believe is a key to unlocking British Columbia's … economic potential."
Anderson told the News Bulletin that a port strategy could unlock potential for not just Nanaimo, but also Prince Rupert, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Port Alberni Port Authority.
-files from Jessica Durling/News Bulletin
