Fraser River Port Authority's new office opens with a bang!

Fraser River Port Authority's new office opens with a bang!

November 10, 2006: The Fraser River Port Authority officially opened their new office with a bang by smashing a champagne bottle against the “bow” of their boardroom. Playing up the rich maritime tradition of breaking a champagne bottle against the bow of a ship to “christen” the vessel, the Port Authority put its own unique spin on the ceremony for its official opening. The bottle used was a movie prop filled with confetti and was struck against a feature wall in the new office, which bears resemblance to a ship’s bow.

John Cummins, MP (Delta-Richmond East), representing the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, officially opened the new office by swinging the bottle. Federal, provincial, and municipal representatives, alongside key port users and Port Authority representatives were on hand to help welcome Fraser River Port Authority to their new home.

“Through my work on the river and as a Member of Parliament, I have gained a great appreciation for the efforts of the Fraser River Port Authority to grow this port while balancing the social, environmental and economic needs of its users,” said Cummins, who has been a commercial fisherman on the river for over 20 years. “As one of the few moves in your 93-year history, this is a momentous day. The work that has gone into this new office truly demonstrates the type of professionalism and commitment to your port users, which we – speaking as a river user for a moment – have come to expect and appreciate from you.”

“We are absolutely delighted with our new home. The natural light, easy access to colleagues and the modern amenities are a dramatic and welcome change for our staff, as we had definitely outgrown our previous space,” said Capt. Allen Domaas, Port Authority President and CEO. “It will be a fitting place from which to facilitate the ongoing development of our harbour as a vital link in Canada’s Pacific Gateway.”

Situated on the fourth floor of the Queen’s Court building at 625 Agnes Street in New Westminster, the Port Authority’s new office features an open plan layout facilitating a greater flow of information and knowledge between staff.

”The new office truly reflects the unique character of Canada’s largest fresh water port,” said Peter Podovinikoff, Chair of the Fraser River Port Authority’s Board of Directors. “The creative design reflects nautical themes, such as a compass, the direction of a sextant, and the bow and funnels of a ship. Materials used throughout the space echo the commodities that are handled at the Port, such as wood, aggregates, steel and containers.”

Fraser River Port is Canada’s largest river port and Canada’s largest automobile port, encompassing 270 kilometres of shoreline along the first 60 kilometres of the Fraser River from Langley to the Strait of Georgia. The Port generates 16,100 direct local jobs and contributes $1.3 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product.