The Working River

As a fervent advocate for a healthy working river that will continue to play a crucial role in the British Columbian and Canadian economies, FRIA is focused on eight strategic priorities:

  1. Stakeholder Engagement
  2. Industrial Land
  3. Port Competitiveness
  4. Stewardship
  5. Channel Improvements
  6. Marine and Public Safety
  7. Land Transportation Access and Congestion
  8. Streamlined Regulatory Processes

Read more about these issues below.

Stakeholder Engagement

FRIA is committed to creating and preserving a collaborative engagement process that builds understanding, support and alignment with the critical stakeholders, communities, governments, commercial enterprises and First Nations who have an interest in the Lower Fraser River.

Industrial Land

FRIA supports the more efficient use of industrial lands around the Lower Fraser River, and will advocate for the sustainable expansion of these lands in line with regional growth initiatives.

Next Fact

Port Competitiveness

FRIA advocates for fee levels and structures that encourage investment and ensure the ongoing competitiveness of businesses that operate on the Lower Fraser River.

Stewardship

FRIA recognizes and respects the unique ecosystems and biodiversity of the Lower Fraser River and supports the implementation of programs, policies and procedures that protect people, wildlife and habitats.

  • More than half of the consumer goods available on Vancouver Island travel through the two Seaspan Ferries Corporation terminals on the LFR

    Seaspan Ferry Corporation

  • More than 23,000 trucks leave Catalyst Paper’s Surrey facility every year, providing stable revenue source for the local trucking community.

    Catalyst Paper

  • 1 litre of fuel will move one ton of cargo: 24 km by truck, 85 km by rail, 218 km by barge

    Coast 2000

  • Between 1980 and 2010, Surrey lost 1,771 hectares of industrial land, mostly to residential developments

    City of Surrey

  • Almost 30,000 floatplanes take off and land in the LFR yearly, moving more than 100,000 people and employing 300 people.

    Richmond Chamber report

  • The LFR supports more than 1,300 forest products-related jobs

    2014 report on the Economic Significance of the Lower Fraser River

  • The LFR was first dyked and dredged in 1891

    2014 report on the Economic Significance of the Lower Fraser River

  • 9 of Greater Vancouver’s 10 Small Craft Harbours are on the LFR

    2014 report on the Economic Significance of the Lower Fraser River

  • 600 km of dyking, 400 flood boxes and 100 pump stations along the LFR protect the Lower Mainland from flooding.

    2014 report on the Economic Significance of the Lower Fraser River

  • Scientists predict sea level rise will increase the level of the LFR by 1.2 meters by 2100.

    2014 report on the Economic Significance of the Lower Fraser River

  • Southern Railway of BC donates $2,000 to Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation for every month without a lost time injury.

    Southern Railway of British Columbia

  • Southern Railway of BC moves about 1M tonnes of grain products every year

    Southern Railway of British Columbia

  • A single marine vessel delivery of aviation fuel will remove up to 1,000 tanker trucks from our roads and highways.

    Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corp

  • LNG cooled at FortisBC’s LFR plant is reducing greenhouse gas emissions in remote communities by up to 25%.

    FortisBC
Next Fact

Channel Improvements

FRIA supports regulatory changes to improve practices that allow for the optimal use of the Lower Fraser River, including navigation system enhancement, dredging, dike protection and debris reduction.

Marine and Public Safety

FRIA is committed to safe commercial activity along the Lower Fraser River.

Land Transportation Access and Congestion

FRIA promotes fluidity and efficient access to commercial and industrial lands, and therefore seeks to be consulted to provide guidance in any planning process that contemplates a change to rail or road infrastructure or capacity along the Lower Fraser River.

Streamlined Regulatory Processes

FRIA advocates for a streamlined and coordinated regulatory framework that would promote efficient permitting for industrial activities in and along the Lower Fraser River.