The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is moving ahead with plans to dredge near Second Narrows in Burrard Inlet, with federal regulatory approval now in place.
The dredging and associated works will increase port capacity and supply chain efficiency, including facilitating vessels calling Trans Mountain’s Westridge terminal to more fully load, and directly support Prime Minister Mark Carney’s goal of doubling Canadian exports to non-US markets over the next decade.
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The proposal’s most recent milestone is federal regulatory approval via a Fisheries Act authorisation from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. This authorisation contains more than 100 legally binding conditions to avoid, mitigate and offset potential adverse effects of the works on fish and fish habitat. These conditions were informed by First Nation consultation.
“Dredging in the Second Narrows’ deep-sea navigation channel will boost export capacity at the port and allow Canada to move more of the goods we produce to overseas markets – supporting a stronger national economy,” said Jennifer Natland, Vice President of Properties and Development at the port authority.
“We will deliver the dredging and associated works in a way that both grows Canadian exports and support jobs, while continuing to respect the environment and local communities. Continued collaboration and investment in the Port of Vancouver is crucial for growing trade capacity as we all work to help Canada double exports to non-US markets over the next decade.”
Dredging and associated work is expected to start in September, comprising:
- Dredging the edges of the existing deep-sea navigation channel east of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge in Burrard Inlet’s Second Narrows waterway
- Removing segments of decommissioned Metro Vancouver waterlines that overlap with the deep-sea navigation channel within the proposed dredging areas
- Installing new navigation aids west of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge near Columbia Containers terminal on Burrard Inlet’s south shore to support safe vessel movements
Slightly deepening the edges of the existing Second Narrows shipping channel will allow Aframax-class ships leaving Trans Mountain’s Westridge Marine Terminal to more fully load with product. Currently, these ships cannot load to full capacity due to draught restrictions.
Next steps include completion of a Pacific Pilotage Authority-led Navigation Risk Assessment and a port authority-led review of navigation procedures, to ensure fully loaded ships can safely and reliably transit the waterway.