Vision and Priorities of New Port Authority

It was virtually standing room only at the Delta Town and Country Inn on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 as members of the Delta Chamber of Commerce, dignitaries and guests gathered to hear Captain Gordon Houston, President & CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, provide the keynote address. As of January 1, 2008 the VFPA incorporates the former Fraser River Port Authority, North Fraser Port Authority and Vancouver Port Authority.

Guests at the event were encouraged to consider the challenges and opportunities presented to Delta expressed in Captain Houston’s four-tiered personal vision statement. Imagine, he said, a port that is:
• chosen by its customers for its proven record of reliability and stability;
• embraced by communities because they understand the value of being a port city;
• envied worldwide for balancing economic growth with social and environmental responsibility;
• truly a global competitor and community partner.

As one of the largest ports in North America, the VFPA comprises more than 600 kms of shoreline bordering 16 municipalities, including First Nations. Captain Houston stressed that the VFPA’s relationship with these stakeholders “will be one of the most important elements of our ability to succeed.”

Social, economic and environmental sustainability formed the core of the address. Captain Houston detailed five initiatives in the sustainability program: 1) Port Industry Partnerships, 2) Community Liaison and Dialogue, 3) Community Relations, 4) Port Planning Consultation and 5) Community Investment.

In conclusion, Captain Houston stressed his belief in the VFPA’s “obligation to operate and grow our business in a way that meets public needs, consumer demand and user expectations for environmental, social and economic performance.”

A complete transcript of Captain Houston’s speech is available here: 
>>read speech>> Photos below by Barabara Lindner Coates, Coast Communications, Delta, BC.