The Working River

FRIA seeks to raise the profile of the Lower Fraser River as a critical component of our local, provincial and national economies and draws attention to opportunities for sustainable growth and expansion of the Gateway.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

FRIA activities are guided by the principles below.

Collaboration & Engagement

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

FRIA continues to focus on creating awareness, understanding and alignment of the significant economic importance of the Lower Fraser River through consistent and meaningful engagement. We will seek out opportunities to promote dialogue and communication to build understanding and alignment, and to promote ongoing and safe operations. We will build awareness and support that bolsters industries’ ability to gain infrastructure funding from governments.

Marine & 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.

Steveston is the home port for about 700 commercial fishing vessels
2014 report on the Economic Significance of the Lower Fraser River
In 2011, Canadian cargo carried on the Montreal – Lake Ontario section of the St. Lawrence Seaway was 28.7 million tonnes, compared to 26.9 million tonnes in the LFR
2014 report on the Economic Significance of the Lower Fraser River
The Fraser River and its 13 main watersheds drain more than 25% of BC
2014 report on the Economic Significance of the Lower Fraser River
The LFR has seen 2 major floods (1894 and 1948), scientists predict there is a 1-in-3 chance there will be another in the next 50 years. It could cause billons of dollars in damage and threaten lives.
2014 report on the Economic Significance of the Lower Fraser River
FortisBC’s LFR LNG facility employs 135 full time staff and has committed more than $50M in local goods and services contracts.
FortisBC
Southern Railway of BC moves more than 300,000 automobiles annually at vehicle processing facilities on Annacis Island
Southern Railway of British Columbia
Over 60% of aviation fuel used as YVR originates outside of Canada. The LFR offers unlimited access to this market.
Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corp

Next Fact

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.

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

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Strategic Initiatives

FRIA’s priorities are captured by the following strategic initiatives:

Streamlined Regulatory Process
Industrial Land
Port Competitiveness
Channel Improvements
Land Transportation Access and Congestion

Streamlined Regulatory Process

FRIA advocates for a streamlined and coordinated regulatory framework that will 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.

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 through regional growth initiatives.

Industry along the Lower Fraser River will work with 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 an 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.

Channel Improvements

FRIA supports regulatory changes to protect and optimize the 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.

Land Transportation Access & Congestion

FRIA promotes fluidity and efficient access to commercial and industrial lands and therefore seeks to be consulted to provide guidance for planning processes that contemplate 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.