Our history has been authored by innovative and forward-thinking individuals who have seized the opportunity of both our open waters and our pristine natural settings. First Nations peoples and immigrants, businesspeople and families, all looking for a better life, were attracted to the opportunity and fertile lands of the Lower Mainland. In order to ensure we have these opportunities well into the future, it is important we plan now to seize them as they come our way.
A sustainable environment and strong economy are not mutually exclusive. Both in the Lower Mainland and all across Canada, it is in all of our interest to maintain the balance between them. It allows us to support our families, and enjoy the standard of living we have become accustomed to in our communities.
Predictions from several different economists show that container traffic on Canada's West Coast is going to continue to increase. Opportunity is upon us, and standing still is not an option. We must be ready to meet the coming demand and to support the local and national economy or we risk losing the advantages we have worked so hard for. That's why we are proposing the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project.
In 2012, a record 2.71 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) of containers moved through Port Metro Vancouver, an eight per cent increase over 2011. Mid-year statistics show continued growth in 2013. These containers bring in goods like electronics, food and clothing, and leave the country carrying Canadian products such as lumber, pulp and local agricultural products.
They provide access to international markets that support local jobs and businesses, such as a blueberry farmer or a fishery worker in the Lower Mainland. Independent projections show this swift growth will continue. According to forecasts, container traffic will double in the next 10 to 15 years and almost triple by 2030. In order to meet this demand, and to support the local and national economy, we are planning now to be ready with the necessary infrastructure.
Terminal 2 is a proposed container terminal that could provide up to 2.4 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) of additional container capacity per year. The project would consist of two main elements: a new three-berth marine terminal, and road and rail infrastructure on an expanded Roberts Bank causeway to support the new terminal.
This week, we submitted a project description document to federal and provincial regulators. This will prompt a decision by both levels of government on whether an environmental assessment is required and what form of assessment the project will undergo. Once potential environmental impacts have been identified as part of this process, Port Metro Vancouver will develop and evaluate options for mitigation.
Completion of this project will leave a legacy of benefits for generations to come - both economic and social - across B.C. and Canada. During construction, over a six-year period, the project would generate about 4,500 total jobs, or $1.14 billion in wages. Once at operational capacity, it would generate 18,300 jobs worth $620 million in wages each year. New tax revenues from the increase in trade activities could also help support essential social programs and environmental priorities.
We know T2 is a significant project for the region, and that it will undoubtedly impact some communities. That's why we are fully committed to open and thorough engagement and consultation. This includes a multi-year, multi-round community, stakeholder and public consultation process.
The process began in 2011 with pre-consultation and continued in 2012. We are now embarking on predesign consultation, scheduled from Oct. 7 to Nov. 12. A separate and dedicated First Nations consultation process is running parallel to the ongoing public and stakeholder consultation.
We encourage you to get involved by attending a consultation event, and by visiting www.porttalk.ca. For more project information, visit www.portmetrovancouver.com/RBT2. Robin Silvester is the president and CEO of Port Metro Vancouver.
