The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, in collaboration with Centerm container terminal operator DP World, announced that it is donating $2 million to community initiatives as part of the Centerm Expansion Project in the Port of Vancouver.
The Centerm Expansion Project aims to help meet near-term demand for containers shipped through the Port of Vancouver. The project will help accommodate imported clothing, food, and electronics, and exports like pulp, paper, lumber, and specialty grains.
By increasing the terminal footprint by only 15% and rearranging the terminal operations, the terminal will be able to handle about 60% more containers. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2021.
Our mandate is to enable Canada’s trade while protecting the environment and considering local communities. We recognize that Canada’s growing trade can impact local communities, and we are pleased to be able to contribute to programs, organizations, and community spaces that mean so much to residents who live near Centerm
noted Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
The donation comes as part of the Centerm Expansion Project, and was determined based on input gained from the community through formal engagement on the project. The donation includes:
- $1 million toward improvements to CRAB Park at Portside, the specifics of which will be determined by working with the Vancouver Park Board and other stakeholders through engagement with the local community;
- $250,000 toward First Nations initiatives;
- $125,000 to Strathcona Community Centre Association;
- $125,000 to Ray-Cam Co-operative Association;
- $500,000 to create the three-year Centerm Community Fund to support projects proposed by organizations in Downtown Eastside (including Chinatown, Gastown, Railtown), Strathcona, Hastings-Sunrise, and Grandview-Woodland.
We strive to reduce disadvantage by providing free access to social activities, family programs and connections to resources and supports. This gift will help us greatly to support our youth, our children in childcare programs and our work towards creating an expanded community centre for the Downtown Eastside–Strathcona neighbourhood
stated Jennifer Guest, President, RayCam Cooperative Centre Board of Directors.
