News Release
Federal Funding Awarded to Participate in the Environmental Assessment of the proposed the Fairview Terminal Phase II Expansion Project

OTTAWA, November 3, 2009 - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has awarded a total of $99,050 to two applicants to support their participation in the environmental assessment of the proposed Fairview Terminal Phase II Expansion Project, in Prince Rupert Harbour, British Columbia.

The funding recipients are the Gitxaala Nation and the Kitsumkalum First Nation.

This funding is being provided to assist the recipients in participating in the comprehensive study process, including the review of the comprehensive study report to be submitted by the responsible authorities, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, the Canadian Transportation Agency, as well as the Prince Rupert Port Authority, as a regulator for this project.

A funding review committee, independent of the environmental assessment process, reviewed the requests for funding and provided recommendations on funding allocations. The committee's recommendations are contained in its report. The report, along with further information on the project, is available in the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, under reference number 08-03-37956.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority is proposing to expand its existing Fairview Container Terminal in Prince Rupert. This will include extending the existing wharf structure and expanding the on-shore terminal. As part of the project, Canadian National Railway is proposing to construct the two sidings and wye (a triangular shaped arrangement of railway tracks with a switch point at each corner) in order to achieve terminal throughput design capacity. Canadian National Railway is therefore the co-proponent of the project, with the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

Media may call:

Lucille Jamault
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: 613-957-0434