Canadian lower B.C. ports set to merge

Canadian lower B.C. ports set to merge The New Year will bring with it a new port authority for British Columbia, Canada.
   The Canadian federal government last week certified the combination of the port authorities of the B.C. Lower Mainland ports, including the Fraser River Port Authority, the North Fraser Port Authority, and the Vancouver Port Authority. Starting Jan. 1, the three port authorities will merge into a new entity known as the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
   A key component of the Canadian federal government's 'Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative,' the VFPA merger will create an eleven-member board of directors with jurisdiction over the combined land, water and assets of the existing three Canadian port authorities. The members of the unified board will also be announced on Jan. 1.
   The three separate authorities, now represented by their own governing bodies, have been working together since earlier this year toward the merger.
   The merged VFPA authority, according to the Canadian government, will be 'well positioned to better coordinate port planning and develop new investment opportunities that will facilitate the circulation of goods to and from foreign markets. The VFPA will also have greater resources for land acquisition, river management and strategic infrastructure investments.'
   The VFPA will operate from the three existing port offices located in New Westminster, Richmond and at Canada Place in Vancouver.