New studies show that economy and flood protection at risk if dredging stops

October 4, 2005: Two recent studies show that thousands of jobs, flood protection, and BC’s future Pacific Gateway cargo trade targets with Asia (6 million TEUs by 2020) would all be at risk if the Port Authority’s self-funded dredging program on the Fraser River were to end due to rising costs. The two studies, an Economic Impacts Analysis and a Multiple Accounts Evaluation, were prepared by InterVISTAS Consulting Ltd., a leading transportation consulting firm.

The Economic Impacts Analysis, completed in September, looked at the potential impact on the container, pulp, steel, and automobile cargo sectors. It found that if dredging ceased, most container vessels would be unable to use Fraser River Port within the first year and that 96% of all deep-sea vessel visits would end within six years. Displaced cargo would likely end up in US ports not in Canada resulting in thousands of lost jobs and higher prices for consumers.

The second study, a Multiple Accounts Evaluation, examined a broad range of non-economic factors across the two scenarios: the continuation and the cessation of dredging. If continued, the Port Authority will have to spend millions of dollars annually that would otherwise be spent on maintaining and developing port infrastructure. In the short term, dredging would continue to provide the economic and flood protection benefits of a deeper channel. Longer term, the financial drain may impact the Port Authority’s ability to provide the facilities required to retain or attract customers, until it might no longer be able to afford to dredge.

If dredging were to cease, the study shows, the impact of the river infilling would be almost immediate, making the river inaccessible to deep-draft vessels and putting increased strain on Lower Mainland dykes and training walls.

The Port Authority continues to pursue public funding, which will enable it to develop a financially sustainable dredging program.

Dredging the Lower Fraser River: Economic Impacts Analysis - PDF Version (393 KB)  Adobe PDF icon

Dredging the Lower Fraser River: Multiple Accounts Evaluation Analysis - PDF Version (270 KB) Adobe PDF icon