Project benefits

This proposed project will create a critical piece of infrastructure to keep Canadian goods moving, create and sustain jobs and build confidence in Canada as a strong and sustainable global trading partner. The project will have a variety of economic and environmental benefits at the local, provincial and national level.

Economic benefits

Economic benefits

  • Increasing market access for inbound and outbound shipments;
  • Helping Canadian farmers access markets in Asia, including specialty products;
  • Creating quality direct and indirect jobs in transportation, agriculture and other industries;
  • Adding capacity to support Canadian and provincial trade goals;
  • Strengthening Canada’s economic competitiveness by improving the efficiency of railways; and
  • Contributing to economic growth following the COVID-19 downturn.
Environment

Environmental benefits

  • Cutting emissions by reducing the number of empty containers being shipped to Asia and from Canada and increasing supply chain efficiency;
  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by shifting goods movement from truck to rail, reducing the number of truck movements on regional highways; and
  • Adding a modernized auto lot that includes electric vehicle charging stations to help suppliers meet anticipated growth in demand for electric vehicles in British Columbia.
Employee

Community benefits

  • Providing approximately 150-250 direct jobs as well as contracting opportunities for local residents and businesses;
  • Creating hundreds of jobs during construction and supporting indirect employment throughout the community; and
  • Contributing $4.1 million annually towards local and provincial taxes once the proposed project is complete, combined with existing taxes.