While Vancouver Harbour can be considered the heart of import and exports in BC, then the Fraser River is one of its main arteries. The Fraser River Port is located at the mouth of the Fraser River, where it meets the Pacific Ocean. It offers a range of services including bulk and large container handling; a large port for automobile transfer and most significantly for BC, the port is integrated for the coastal forest industry. The port is also fully integrated with the global transportation networks. Millions of tonnes of various cargos pass through the Fraser River Port every year. Over 350 businesses depend on the Port and the business that passes through.

The Fraser River Port is under the authority of the Fraser River Port Authority, which is a federally mandated authority that operates under the Canada Marine Act. They regulate all personal and commercial navigation in the harbour.

Partly due to increasing volume and development of the Port Authorities Richmond Properties site, the economic prosperity of the port continues to rise. Port related businesses creates over 12,000 direct jobs annually for BC, approximately 70 of which are in the communities of Surrey, New Westminster, Richmond and Delta. The millions of dollars of wages and billions of dollars of economic output all help to fuel the thriving economy. Some of these jobs, directly related to the Port include marine transportation, which includes tug, barge and terminal operations, which also relates with the numerous lumber mills and log sorting facilities. Another large site along the Fraser River is the auto terminal that is used by more than 20 international auto firms.

The Fraser River Port is also a destination point for the rail lines in BC and Canada. The port in is the center of a transport network that includes, CN Rail, BC Rail, Southern Railway and CP Rail. These rail lines connect a lifeline throughout BC. As well, the port is located within distance of Vancouver, Abbotsford, Boundary Bay and Pitt Meadows airports and has access to many major highways that span the province.

Being such a large area, that includes a diverse selection of ecosystem, the Fraser River Port has worked to help sustain the natural environment while continually fuelling the economic growth of the province. The Environmental Service department was established to help regulate legislation to keep the natural environment as protected as possible. These practices include prevention, maintenance, environmental audits and environmental screening of all practices on the river. With each business along the river doing their part to keep the environment safe, the ecosystem will continue to prosper along with the economy.

The Fraser River has provided a lifeline of business for the province of British Columbia for nearly one hundred years. From its smaller beginnings as the New Westminster Harbour Commission to the Fraser River Port Authority of today, the Fraser River has helped shape the lives of many BC families and with continuing efforts it will so for many years to come.

Written by K.E. Heaton