Community Futures of the Pacific Northwest (CFDC-PNW) is pleased to say the economic future of Prince Rupert continues to look bright. The success of last year’s cruise ship season, coupled with what looks like an even more promising 2009 season, is exciting. Yet it’s the continuing development of the Prince Rupert Port that offers the most significant economic windfalls.

CFDC-PNW has been involved with the Prince Rupert Port Authority in the development of container traffic on British Columbia’s North Coast. The usefulness of containers has quickly been recognized in International trade and the containers satisfy the needs of Canadian Producers and shippers. It is estimated that the volume of trade done by containerization will triple by the year 2020. As the starting point for the shortest land-sea trade route between Asia and Canada/ U.S. Industrial Heartland, the Port of Prince Rupert has a strategic advantage. As a result, the economic benefits of containerization to the region will prove to be considerable.

The development of the Prince Rupert Port has created jobs and new opportunities for those living in the region. CFDC-PNW is pleased to have been a part of the team involved in funding the panning and engineering steps necessary for developing this needed infrastructure. The Prince Rupert office was able to assist the Port Authority in accessing financial assistance, thanks to the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada, through the Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative. The CFDC-PNW’s efforts in developing the port is just one example of how passionate we are to help local communities find ways to diversify their economies.