While they have all long since scattered from whence they came, the town is still buzzing a bit about Wednesday‘s Grand Opening of the Fairview Container Terminal.
While few of the locals ever actually caught a glimpse, let alone had a word with any of the high profile Politicians and Business leaders that were here to observe the launching of Canada’s newest gateway, the stories and speeches are still being recounted across the town.
The Daily News featured the days events as would be expected in Thursday’s paper, with three items dedicated to all matters of the port.
PORT AND PARTNERS DELIVER CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER
Senior politicians and business leaders congregate in city for grand opening
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Pages one and three
In 50 years, the opening of the Fairview Container Terminal will carry the same importance to the continent as the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, said British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell.
“This is the future of British Columbia and Canada, here in Prince Rupert. This is the Asia Pacific, “said Campbell, during the grand opening of the Fairview Container Terminal yesterday.
The sticky smell of asphalt and concrete and the sounds of construction were still in the air as dignitaries from as far away as Illinois and Ningbo Port, China, gathered to celebrate the opening of the $170 million intermodal facility.
The facility will see 500,000 TEU’s (average sized containers) moved on to CN Rail Cars. It is the beginning of a two-phase project that could see up to two million containers moved through the port by 2010.
Campbell said he believes that in time, people will take for granted the amount of work that it took to open the new trade corridor, but the long lasting impact will be just as significant as when Canada opened its corridor for Atlantic trade.
For Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond, it was an important turning moment in the town’s history.
“It is so appropriate that while we are sitting here, there are people out there working,” said Pond, looking at the backdrop of workers still pressing pavement as the ceremony was underway.
“There are local Prince Rupert people working here in this port and they are bringing home real pay cheques to families that need them.”
David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Asia Pacific Gateway, was accompanied to the event by Rona Ambrose, Minister for Western Economic Diversification.
Emerson said it is the power of partnerships that have brought the project to fruition.
“The people who have been here on the ground when times were not good – and more often that not in the past 20 years, they weren’t – I want to thank you and recognize you,” said Emerson.
The former local public servant first began hearing about opportunities for the port from then-mayor Peter Lester.
“But the development of Prince Rupert is only part of the Fairview story. The government of Canada is investing more than $100 million in the gateway initiative… with 80 per cent of the investments right here in British Columbia,” said Emerson.
He described the gateway as a way to move out of the boom-and-bust cycle that has characterized the region in the past. The gateway, he said, will act as “a transformative catalyst for trade whose impact will be felt across the West,” reaching into central Canada and down in to the United States.
“We will see a wave of jobs and value, creating opportunities for business of all kinds as the Asia Pacific Gateway delivers world-class competitive conditions along the full reach of its corridors,” said Emerson.
At the ceremony, hereditary chief Clarence Nelson and the Sm-Haalyt dancers of the Tsimshian Nation welcomed participants.
“Our canoes are being replaced… by the huge ships bringing in containers,” said Nelson. “We are encouraged by the opportunities our generation has to be part of the progress.
“Yes, there are changes but we the Tsimshian will be here. We will accept it by encouraging our future generations to be part of it with education.”
The event was marked by greetings and well-wishes from the mayors of Chicago and Memphis, the state of Illinois as well as Jim Foote, executive vice-president of sales and marketing CN Rail and David McLean, chairman of CN Rail and M. Brian Maher, president and CEO of Maher Terminals.
COSCO the first shipping line to sign on to use the terminal, was also represented, by Feng Zhang, COSCO Container Lines America, executive vice-president as was RREEF Deutsch Bank. The company with a portfolio of investments with 59 billion euros was represented by, Shaun Mays, CEO of RREEF infrastructure.
(for more from these partners, see tomorrow’s Daily News)
Dale MacLean, chairman of the Prince Rupert Port Authority, said the outcome of the project was the result of “vision, resolve and leadership, but also courage.”
“We are only really beginning to explore all the future possibilities of what Prince Rupert can grown and become.”
CHINESE PORT IS ON HAND TO CEMENT NEW TIES
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Pages one and three
The Port of Prince Rupert took time during the grand opening celebration to officially mark the beginning of a relationship with the Port of Ningbo, China.
The agreement will see the two ports exchange economic and technical information, including information on development and construction, and they will promote the development of shipping opportunities between one another.
“We look forward to exchanging valuable information with our new friends in Ningbo – information that will allow us both to grow and succeed over the coming years,” said Prince Rupert Port Authority president and CEO Don Krusel.
The Port of Ningbo is situation south of Shanghai, across Hangzhou Bay, and is considered to be the best natural deep-water port in China. Ningbo has posted the highest growth rates in China since 1998, drawing increasing levels of foreign investment and shipping traffic.”
A delegation from Ningbo came forward to sign the documents and Krusel pointed out the clause that has both parties working to seek a shipping line to move goods between the two ports in the future.
In 2006, the Port of Ningbo reached a throughput capacity of seven million TEUs and handled more that 300 million tons of cargo. Ningbo port has established trade relationships with more than 600 ports, including regular international container lines to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, USA and Europe.
Premier Gordon Campbell praised the agreement. Twinning ports and communities with Asia has been one of the key recommendations of the province’s Asia Pacific Trade Council – it recently encouraged communities to develop strong sister-city relationships as a way to get concrete results in the drive to create additional trade volumes.
“We have partners investing in the future of Prince Rupert because they see the new opportunities and the value of its strategic location,” said Campbell.
“The Fairview Container Terminal opens up a new high-speed, congestion-free trade corridor between Asia and North America.
“The friendship agreement between the two ports opens up an important relationship we also want to grow,” Campbell said.’’
“Whether commercial, municipal, or cultural, these relationships are essential to or Asia-Pacific future,” said Campbell.
The $170- million terminal project, with a design capacity of 500,000 TEUs (20 foot equivalent units), has been funded by Maher Terminals, CN Rail, the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada, and the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
Construction began two years ago and was completed on time and on budget.
“The expanded and enhanced port brings Prince Rupert new potential and growth,” said Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond.
“I look forward to the port’s friendship with Ningbo expanding into broader opportunities for the community as a whole.
While few of the locals ever actually caught a glimpse, let alone had a word with any of the high profile Politicians and Business leaders that were here to observe the launching of Canada’s newest gateway, the stories and speeches are still being recounted across the town.
The Daily News featured the days events as would be expected in Thursday’s paper, with three items dedicated to all matters of the port.
PORT AND PARTNERS DELIVER CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER
Senior politicians and business leaders congregate in city for grand opening
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Pages one and three
In 50 years, the opening of the Fairview Container Terminal will carry the same importance to the continent as the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, said British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell.
“This is the future of British Columbia and Canada, here in Prince Rupert. This is the Asia Pacific, “said Campbell, during the grand opening of the Fairview Container Terminal yesterday.
The sticky smell of asphalt and concrete and the sounds of construction were still in the air as dignitaries from as far away as Illinois and Ningbo Port, China, gathered to celebrate the opening of the $170 million intermodal facility.
The facility will see 500,000 TEU’s (average sized containers) moved on to CN Rail Cars. It is the beginning of a two-phase project that could see up to two million containers moved through the port by 2010.
Campbell said he believes that in time, people will take for granted the amount of work that it took to open the new trade corridor, but the long lasting impact will be just as significant as when Canada opened its corridor for Atlantic trade.
For Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond, it was an important turning moment in the town’s history.
“It is so appropriate that while we are sitting here, there are people out there working,” said Pond, looking at the backdrop of workers still pressing pavement as the ceremony was underway.
“There are local Prince Rupert people working here in this port and they are bringing home real pay cheques to families that need them.”
David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Asia Pacific Gateway, was accompanied to the event by Rona Ambrose, Minister for Western Economic Diversification.
Emerson said it is the power of partnerships that have brought the project to fruition.
“The people who have been here on the ground when times were not good – and more often that not in the past 20 years, they weren’t – I want to thank you and recognize you,” said Emerson.
The former local public servant first began hearing about opportunities for the port from then-mayor Peter Lester.
“But the development of Prince Rupert is only part of the Fairview story. The government of Canada is investing more than $100 million in the gateway initiative… with 80 per cent of the investments right here in British Columbia,” said Emerson.
He described the gateway as a way to move out of the boom-and-bust cycle that has characterized the region in the past. The gateway, he said, will act as “a transformative catalyst for trade whose impact will be felt across the West,” reaching into central Canada and down in to the United States.
“We will see a wave of jobs and value, creating opportunities for business of all kinds as the Asia Pacific Gateway delivers world-class competitive conditions along the full reach of its corridors,” said Emerson.
At the ceremony, hereditary chief Clarence Nelson and the Sm-Haalyt dancers of the Tsimshian Nation welcomed participants.
“Our canoes are being replaced… by the huge ships bringing in containers,” said Nelson. “We are encouraged by the opportunities our generation has to be part of the progress.
“Yes, there are changes but we the Tsimshian will be here. We will accept it by encouraging our future generations to be part of it with education.”
The event was marked by greetings and well-wishes from the mayors of Chicago and Memphis, the state of Illinois as well as Jim Foote, executive vice-president of sales and marketing CN Rail and David McLean, chairman of CN Rail and M. Brian Maher, president and CEO of Maher Terminals.
COSCO the first shipping line to sign on to use the terminal, was also represented, by Feng Zhang, COSCO Container Lines America, executive vice-president as was RREEF Deutsch Bank. The company with a portfolio of investments with 59 billion euros was represented by, Shaun Mays, CEO of RREEF infrastructure.
(for more from these partners, see tomorrow’s Daily News)
Dale MacLean, chairman of the Prince Rupert Port Authority, said the outcome of the project was the result of “vision, resolve and leadership, but also courage.”
“We are only really beginning to explore all the future possibilities of what Prince Rupert can grown and become.”
CHINESE PORT IS ON HAND TO CEMENT NEW TIES
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Pages one and three
The Port of Prince Rupert took time during the grand opening celebration to officially mark the beginning of a relationship with the Port of Ningbo, China.
The agreement will see the two ports exchange economic and technical information, including information on development and construction, and they will promote the development of shipping opportunities between one another.
“We look forward to exchanging valuable information with our new friends in Ningbo – information that will allow us both to grow and succeed over the coming years,” said Prince Rupert Port Authority president and CEO Don Krusel.
The Port of Ningbo is situation south of Shanghai, across Hangzhou Bay, and is considered to be the best natural deep-water port in China. Ningbo has posted the highest growth rates in China since 1998, drawing increasing levels of foreign investment and shipping traffic.”
A delegation from Ningbo came forward to sign the documents and Krusel pointed out the clause that has both parties working to seek a shipping line to move goods between the two ports in the future.
In 2006, the Port of Ningbo reached a throughput capacity of seven million TEUs and handled more that 300 million tons of cargo. Ningbo port has established trade relationships with more than 600 ports, including regular international container lines to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, USA and Europe.
Premier Gordon Campbell praised the agreement. Twinning ports and communities with Asia has been one of the key recommendations of the province’s Asia Pacific Trade Council – it recently encouraged communities to develop strong sister-city relationships as a way to get concrete results in the drive to create additional trade volumes.
“We have partners investing in the future of Prince Rupert because they see the new opportunities and the value of its strategic location,” said Campbell.
“The Fairview Container Terminal opens up a new high-speed, congestion-free trade corridor between Asia and North America.
“The friendship agreement between the two ports opens up an important relationship we also want to grow,” Campbell said.’’
“Whether commercial, municipal, or cultural, these relationships are essential to or Asia-Pacific future,” said Campbell.
The $170- million terminal project, with a design capacity of 500,000 TEUs (20 foot equivalent units), has been funded by Maher Terminals, CN Rail, the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada, and the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
Construction began two years ago and was completed on time and on budget.
“The expanded and enhanced port brings Prince Rupert new potential and growth,” said Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond.
“I look forward to the port’s friendship with Ningbo expanding into broader opportunities for the community as a whole.
QUESTIONS SURROUND PROPOSED DEAL
Although minister David Emerson is keen to present it to cabinet
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Pages one and three
Representatives of the First Nations community of Lax Kw’alaams were noticeably absent from the celebration at the Fairview Container Terminal yesterday, prompting some to wonder if there is a rift following an agreement with the federal government.
While Clifford White, chief councilor for Gitxaala, and Harold Leighton, chief councilor for Metlakatla, were both in attendance, Gary Reece, chief councilor of Lax Kw’alaams was not.
Earlier in the day, the Mix reported an agreement had been reached in regards to consultation and accommodation between the federal government and the three First Nations during a meeting in Vancouver earlier this week.
However, Clifford White, chief councilor of Kitkatla said he did not believe Lax Kw’alaams had given its approval.
“We do have an agreement in place. We are working out the major details. It’s between Metlakatla, Kitkatla and Lax Kw’alaams. I think Lax Kw’alaams hasn’t made a deal yet,” said Clifford White, chief councilor for the Gitxaala Nation.
David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and the Pacific Gateway, said he has received the report – which includes recommendations for an agreement – from special consultant Robert Plecas and will be taking it forward to cabinet for government approval.
“I have now met with Mr. Plecas and with a couple of the chiefs and we are quite pleased with the report. I am going to be taking it in to the cabinet process,” he said.
He said he was unaware of any discontent surrounding the report and had told the chiefs he would indicate his strong support for the recommendations when it comes to cabinet.
“I know there was a little reticence to visibly support what we were doing because the lawyers were saying if you look too happy it’s going to undermine a potential court case. The whole idea of this was to avoid court cases and to get on with the business of building partnerships that benefit First Nations along with the rest of the community,” said Emerson.
Plecas has spent the past three months working with the three bands to come up with recommendations for an agreement on consultation and accommodation.
Both Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla have been pursuing what they see as a failure by the federal government to consult adequately through the Supreme Court of Canada.
“These discussions have been going on for a long time and have been tangled up in lawyers – whenever you get lawyers involved, movement becomes almost impossible,” said Emerson.
“We agreed six months ago that we would talk in a more business-like way to create partnerships. This is not a resolution to land claim, this is a partnership and we want them to participate in the wealth-creation opportunities around this.
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