Mixed emotions about new Prine Rupert container terminal

B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell said the expansion of the Prince Rupert port will help B.C. compete with U.S. ports. He said the facility has the potential to double the province's share of west-coast container traffic and contribute to the creation of up to 45,000 new maritime jobs over the next 15 years.

The B.C. city of 18,000 lays claim to being the shortest land-sea transportation route to Asia – a growing source of export opportunities. In addition to a natural deep-water harbour, the port promotes itself as a "seamless" connection to railway links.

The announcement is in addition to more than $3 billion recently committed by all levels of government to boost B.C.'s highway, rail and border facilities to help goods move efficiently. The Prince Rupert port was already in line for $17.2 million from the provincial government as part of those initiatives. Friday's announcement tops that up with $12.8 million extra in provincial funding.

The expanded terminal is expected to be fully operational by 2009.

Prince Rupert to get $60M for container terminal

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