The Nanaimo Port Authority,
which operates the Port of Nanaimo in British Columbia, has unveiled what it calls
its ”Path 2025” strategic direction, designed to address the port’s need for upgrades
and modernization over the next decade.
As part of its plan, the
port authority hopes to reach agreements with private companies for investment in
up to 30 port land use projects.
“We need world class facilities
to be competitive and to bring new economic development opportunities to Nanaimo,”
Port Authority President and CEO Bernie Dumas said. ”We are reviewing how we use
all our assets so we can operate our core elements effectively and efficiently while
providing a stronger transportation system for Vancouver Island.”
Among the priorities, Dumas
said, is upgrading the Commercial Inlet Basin and Marina in downtown Nanaimo with
more commercial and transportation activities, and modernizing and extending commercial
activity at the Duke Point Terminal.
A key element of the plan
is transforming the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf lands into a mix of commercial and light
industry uses to help spur growth.
Dumas said that the Port
Authority, which runs Nanaimo on behalf of the Canadian government, recognizes that
it doesn’t have all the answers and will continue to look to the business community
to bring in proposals for different land use.
“Our goal is to attract
new economic activity in Nanaimo with our port assets,” he said. “Our role as stewards
of marine safety and sustainability means all proposals need to be balanced and
considered through the lens of social, commercial, environmental and transportation
requirements.”
