Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced an investment of $46.2 million for a project that will increase capacity at the Port of Nanaimo, and move Canadian goods to international markets more efficiently.
The Duke Point Terminal will be expanded to provide greater connection between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Expansion will reduce congestion at the terminal thereby improving capacity to ship and receive goods to and from international markets.
“Our government is investing in Canada’s economy by making improvements to our trade and transportation corridors. We are supporting projects to efficiently move goods to market and people to their destinations, stimulate economic growth, […], and ensure that Canada’s transportation networks remain competitive and efficient,” Garneau said.
The work includes:
- expanding the existing wharf from 182 metres to 325 metres;
- building a new warehouse, a new administration and maintenance building, and a new truck gate;
- replacing the existing crane with two 24-metre cranes;
- increasing the terminal’s storage area; and
- upgrading the drainage, sewer, electrical, water and security systems around the terminal.
These investments are expected to have important economic and employment benefits for the region by creating an estimated 900 jobs in the region during construction.
Minister Garneau also toured the Port of Nanaimo’s new Vehicle Processing Centre that opened in April of this year and for which the Government of Canada invested $6.3 million. The 60,000 square-foot centre improves Canada’s supply chain for automobiles imported into the country, and addresses congestion while also providing sustainable economic development opportunities for Nanaimo and Vancouver Island.
