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:
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Industrial Land
- Port Competitiveness
- Stewardship
- Channel Improvements
- Marine and Public Safety
- Land Transportation Access and Congestion
- 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.
FRIA will create awareness, understanding and alignment of the significant economic importance of the Lower Fraser River through consistent and meaningful engagement. We will connect with stakeholders through a series of mediums and find opportunities to promote dialogue and communication. We will participate in initiatives or programs that will strengthen our voice, build understanding and alignment, and promote ongoing and safe operations. We will build awareness and support that bolsters industries ability to gain infrastructure funding from the government.
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.
Industry along the Lower Fraser River will work with the First Nations, government, stakeholders and communities to ensure the use and availability of existing industrial land is protected and maintained, will seek out opportunities to grow the industrial land base where appropriate and supports industrial land banking strategy.
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.
The Lower Fraser River will be a world-class port that provides regionally, nationally and globally competitive cost, productivity and fluidity alternatives to customers in a way that is well aligned and integrated with all stakeholders and other user groups.
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.
The Lower Fraser River will take a global leading approach to maintaining an economically significant transportation artery that effectively understands and balances the needs of all stakeholders while always considering the environment, culture and economy.
Channel Improvements
FRIA supports regulatory changes to protect and optimize use of the Lower Fraser River, including navigation safety enhancement, dredging, dike protection, debris reduction and protection of the environment.
The Lower Fraser River will be a world class waterway that supports industry and trade in a safe and sustainable way, while maintaining and improving the interests of existing stakeholders and traditional users.
Marine and Public Safety
FRIA is committed to safe commercial activity along the Lower Fraser River.
Industry along the Lower Fraser River will build a robust safety culture beyond the regulations amongst commercial vessel operators, across all fleets, through the implementation of consistent safety practices by all service providers and clients.
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.
Industry along the Lower Fraser River believes that the implementation of effective transportation strategies can only be achieved through a joint Lower Mainland Transportation Committee with representation from Industry, First Nations, government, stakeholders and community.
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.
Industry along the Lower Fraser River will work with all regulators and levels of government to ensure expansion and enhancement projects follow a rigid and stringent set of guidelines that properly evaluates potential impacts and identifies necessary mitigation requirements within timelines that do not jeopardize the success of the projects.