The federal government announced the completion of Ashcroft Terminal’s expansion project, which will improve the flow of goods by rail, and give local industry a competitive edge in international trade. The newly completed terminal expansion project added a 1,500-metre enhanced connection to the mainline with additional railcar storage, transload facilities and support tracks. These improvements will help the terminal to more efficiently handle manufacturing, industrial and mining materials, and agricultural products. They will also allow shipments to move more quickly through the rail corridor.
The project will also provide local producers and shippers with safer and better services, including greater road access to the terminal. These improvements will help to forge stronger shipping ties between British Columbia’s natural resource sector and the Asia-Pacific region, providing competitive options to shippers from the Ashcroft area. The terminal expansion has served as an important step in helping to diversify the region’s economy in response to the mountain pine beetle infestation, which has put the forestry industry at risk and threatened the stability of the regional economy.
The federal government contributed over $3.57 million from the Mountain Pine Beetle Program within the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Fund (APGCTIF), while Ashcroft Terminal provided matching funds. Construction of the project began in February 2013 and was completed on time and within budget.
Ashcroft Terminal is currently served by both the Canadian Pacific Rail and Canadian National mainlines that feed into Port Metro Vancouver.