Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project Achieves Federal Approval

The federal government has approved the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project, a new three-berth container terminal at Roberts Bank in Delta, BC, that would provide 2.4 million TEUs of container capacity annually. The project, led by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, is expected to support Canada's trade objectives with the Asia-Pacific region and create thousands of jobs and economic opportunities.

The project has also secured benefits agreements with 26 Indigenous groups.

The port authority has committed to implementing over 200 legally binding conditions to protect the local environment, including fish and wildlife habitats, air quality and noise levels.

However, the project has controversy. Some environmental groups have raised concerns about the project's potential impacts on endangered species, such as the southern resident killer whales and migratory birds. The project also involves creating an artificial island near Delta, which could alter the hydrology and sedimentation patterns of the area.

Another source of opposition is the Longshore Warehouse Union, which represents workers at the existing Deltaport and Westshore Terminals. The union has criticized the port authority for planning to use more automation and technology at the new terminal, which could reduce the need for human labour.

The port authority has stated that it respects the views of all stakeholders and will continue to work with them to address their concerns and find solutions. The port authority has also emphasized that the project is necessary to meet the growing demand for container trade in Canada and ensure the country's competitiveness in the global market. The port authority expects to start constructing the terminal in 2024 and complete it by 2030.