Premier Christy Clark chose Prince Rupert to unveil the first phase of her long-awaited jobs plan September 19. Observers expect her to roll out other planks in her strategy on September 22 when she addresses the Vancouver Board of Trade.
Clark told media her government will contribute $15 million toward a $90 million project to expand capacity at Ridley Island’s terminal.
Dubbed the Road Rail Utility Corridor, the $90 million project is Phase 1 of a planned $300 million development at the Port of Prince Rupert.
Clark said the investment will create 570 direct construction jobs through the life of the project and provide a further 4,000 operational jobs after construction is complete.
“If you are looking at Canada from Asia, with an eye to investing in our country, Canada truly starts here.”
She added that Prince Rupert is at least two days closer to Asia than any other port on the North American continent.
Construction of the terminal expansion is set to start next year.
Glen Korstrom
Twitter: GlenKorstrom