Vancouver Island Business Leaders Urge B.C. to Prioritize Port Strategy

Stakeholders from Vancouver Island are urging the British Columbia government to prioritize the development of a comprehensive provincial plan for ports. In a recent press release, the Nanaimo-Lantzville Business Leaders Advisory Council emphasized the need for a strategic approach that recognizes the critical role of ports in enhancing economic resilience and modernizing supply chains.

The advisory council highlighted several challenges facing British Columbia, including global trade volatility, infrastructure strain, and the urgent need to decarbonize logistics systems. The statement underscored that limitations at ports could impede the province’s ability to capitalize on expanding trade opportunities with international partners.

Yuho Okada, chairperson of the advisory council, stated, “We believe the Port of Nanaimo can be a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economic future.” He pointed out that the port’s strategic location and existing infrastructure position it well to alleviate pressure on the Lower Mainland, open new trade routes, and create high-quality jobs both locally and across the province.

Research conducted by the council identified significant gaps in the Island’s supply chain, particularly an over-reliance on a single ferry corridor. Okada remarked, “This isn’t just about Nanaimo. It’s about unlocking capacity across the Island, connecting all ports across British Columbia, supporting provincial growth, and ensuring that strategic integration of infrastructure decisions shape B.C.’s future.”

The advisory council consists of a non-partisan group of local business and civic leaders, assembled by MLA George Anderson for Nanaimo-Lantzville. Anderson emphasized that the council is focused on increasing economic development opportunities throughout the province. He stated, “This is clearly one of the things they believe is a key to unlocking British Columbia’s economic potential.”

The call for a port strategy has broader implications, with Anderson noting that it could benefit not only Nanaimo but also other key ports, including Prince Rupert, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, and the Port Alberni Port Authority.

As the B.C. government considers these requests, the emphasis remains on creating a robust framework for port development that addresses current challenges while positioning the province for future growth. The advisory council’s initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of interconnected port systems in sustaining economic vitality and resilience in British Columbia.