“This is a strategic move, as it will enable us to better serve our users and to fulfill our mandate of facilitating marine trade, by providing our staff adequate space in a safe, clean, functional, and professional environment,” said Captain Allen Domaas, President and CEO of the Fraser River Port Authority. “‘With many future opportunities for continued growth along the Fraser River, this office move will ensure that tenants and clients are effectively served for years to come”.

The Port Authority has called the Westminster Building on Columbia Street home almost from the time the building was erected in 1912. But now the Port Authority has outgrown its space, and needs to address concerns regarding productivity, functionality, and staff safety. Renovation of the old office was initially considered but was found to be unfeasible due to high costs.

“It is an emotional move for many of the staff, given the decades of corporate history represented in the Westminster Building – but one that is necessary,” said Peter Podovinikoff, Chair of the Fraser River Port Authority Board of Directors. “It has come about after years of careful consideration and planning around the needs of the staff and its ability to best meet the needs of the port users.”

The new office follows an open floor design which will provide an efficient use of space and enable staff to consolidate on one floor versus two floors in the current building. The move to a new office will also bring the Port Authority’s accommodation in line with other Canada Port Authorities of similar or smaller size.

The move will take place September 29 – October 1, 2006. During that period, phone and internet service will be intermittent and staff will be focused on packing and unpacking. The Port Authority apologizes in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. Phone and email addresses remain unchanged, however the new mailing address will be:

Fraser River Port Authority
400 – 625 Agnes Street
New Westminster, BC V3M 5Y4

Fraser River Port is Canada’s largest fresh water port and Canada’s largest automobile port, encompassing 270 kilometres of shoreline along the Fraser River from Langley to the Strait of Georgia. The Port generates 16,100 direct local jobs and contributes $3.7 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product.