Mayor Harvie’s statement on the Government of Canada’s decision on Roberts Bank Terminal II

Today, the Government of Canada reached a decision to approve the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion project. Mayor George V. Harvie had the following comment on the decision:

"The port expansion has been an issue of concern for residents of Delta for many years now. The protection of the Roberts Bank ecosystem, better policing of the port, and Indigenous rights are a few of the major concerns that need to be addressed. As Mayor, I will continue to work diligently with the federal government and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to ensure this expansion is in line with our vision for Delta."

In a 2020 report to Delta Council, a number of concerns were outlined by City staff pertaining to a port expansion, including adverse residual and cumulative effects on the Roberts Bank ecosystem, including Southern Resident Killer Whales, fish and aquatic species, birds, as well as First Nations cultural heritage and Indigenous rights, and lands and resources use were items of concern.

The issue of increased law enforcement at the port has also been raised due to the potential escalation of imported illicit drugs and weapons, including illegal firearms. This would require more security or policing resources in order to curtail these illegal operations.

Mayor Harvie is leading a delegation this week to Ottawa to discuss a number of issues with the federal government, and will raise these issues during his meetings.

"With an expansion of this magnitude, it is pertinent that our federal government help cover their share of costs associated with our vital infrastructure upgrades," continued Mayor Harvie. "We are still waiting for the Federal Government to come to the table and financially support the Massey Tunnel Replacement Project. This includes a financial contribution for the proposed River Road overpass and creating a second exit out of Ladner. We have also raised the issue of local channel dredging in the Lower Fraser River and are asking for a commitment to establish a long-term strategy and appropriate resources for this work to be done. I look forward to collaborative discussions with MP Carla Qualtrough on these issues."

For more information on this news release, contact the Mayor’s Office at 604-946-3210 or e-mail MayorHarvie@delta.ca.