As the year ends, the Port Community Liaison Committee (PCLC) would like to provide an update on what the multi-stakeholder committee has been up to.
But first, what is a "multi-stakeholder" committee? In a nutshell, it is a group of people - with multiple interests - that get together to share information. In the case of the PCLC, we are made up of residents, government, farmers, businesses, rail and the port itself.
And why do we exist? The idea is that by meeting face-to-face and exchanging information, port-related concerns can be addressed more effectively.
In a sense, it's a grownup way of recognizing that we share the same space - sometimes with different priorities - but can still get together to build understanding. For several years, the PCLC (and its predecessor, the Deltaport CLC) has met to cover topics that are important to its representative groups. Some topics are immediate and operational; others are ongoing, or long-term.
So what have we covered in the past year? Not surprisingly, we've learned about the Roberts Bank
Terminal 2 proposal. In addition to dialogue about the process, we've had the chance to hear directly from Port Metro Vancouver about "why," "how" and "who" may be involved with any future expansion.
As the facilitator of trade throughout the region, the port is also involved with activities along the Fraser River.
Accordingly, the PCLC has discussed local channel dredging, habitat enhancements and new business proposals.
With trucking and rail infrastructure so critical to the flow of goods - and so relevant to the local residential and agricultural communities - we have talked about road and rail expansion at Deltaport as well as the new truck licensing system, 24-hour gates and proposed staging area off Highway 17.
Having community members, an environmental appointee and the Delta Farmers' Institute at the table allows this information to be channelled amongst various constituents. In 2015, the most common community concerns have related to noise, air quality and traffic levels.
Additional insight has been provided by external groups - such as a delegation from Citizens Against Port Expansion (CAPE), which shared concerns about port impacts on bird populations and ecosystem health.
Local interests are also served by the participation of the Corporation of Delta and Tsawwassen First Nation. Regional transportation and land use have been raised, including the idea of an inland port. In the future, we hope to learn more about the LNG proposal that was just announced by TFN.
As the feedback is multidirectional, it is communicated to port operators and businesses through the participation of the leaders of Westshore and GCT Terminals, as well as the Delta Chamber of Commerce. Through these participants, and the port, the PCLC has also learned about emerging business practices, monitoring programs and cost-sharing initiatives aimed at reducing the impacts of trade. So, what's ahead for 2016?
The federal government will appoint the independent review panel to assess the environmental impacts of the proposed Terminal 2. This process will extend into 2017 and there will be opportunities for public input.
What do you think about port expansion? Do you have any questions or concerns?
We'd love to hear from you at PCLC@portmetrovancouver. ca.
