May 8, 2012, Nanaimo, BC – Nanaimo Port Authority President and CEO Bernie Dumas is reaching out to the public and business community to unveil elements of their “Path 2025” strategic direction, designed to address the need for commercial and transportation upgrades and modernization over the next decade.
“We need world class facilities to be competitive and to bring new economic development opportunities to Nanaimo,” said Dumas. “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.”
Dumas said that the Port Authority recognizes that they don’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.” Updates on the NPA’s plans will be posted to its website at www.npa.ca.
Dumas said the Port Authority will prioritize opportunities to upgrade the Commercial Inlet Basin and Marina in downtown Nanaimo with more commercial and transportation activities. Also high on the priority list is modernizing and extending commercial activity at the Duke Point Terminal. A key element of the plan is to transform the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf lands into a mix of commercial and light industry uses to help spur growth.
About the Nanaimo Port Authority
Created in 1961 and legislated under the Canada Marine Act, the Nanaimo Port Authority is a federal agency mandated to administer, control, and manage the harbour, waters and foreshore of the Georgia Strait in an area adjacent to Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. Harbour operations include management and handling of deep sea anchorages, seaplane operations, port and local marine security and safety, and environmental protection in cooperation with the Canadian Coast Guard.
The three primary assets are the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf which houses a new cruise ship terminal, the Commercial Inlet Basin and Marina in downtown Nanaimo and Duke Point Terminal, a commercial cargo handling and storage facility. Other Port facilities include W. E. Mills Landing and Marina for larger vessels, Pioneer Waterfront Plaza Shops and Parking, Seaplane Terminal, Walking/Fishing Pier, Harbourside Walkway and the administration of federal water leases in the Port boundaries. For more information, visit www.npa.ca.
