Nanaimo Port Authority President and CEO Bernie Dumas is reaching out to the public and business community to unveil elements of its “Path 2025” strategic direction, designed to address the need for commercial and transportation upgrades and modernization over the next decade.
“We need world class facilities to be competitive and to bring new economic development opportunities to Nanaimo,” said Dumas. “We are reviewing how we use all our assets so we can operate our core elements effectively and efficiently while providing a stronger transportation system for Vancouver Island.”
Dumas said that the Port Authority recognizes that it does not have all the answers and will continue to look to the business community to submit proposals for different land use. “Our goal is to attract new economic activity in Nanaimo with our port assets,” he said. “Our role as stewards of marine safety and sustainability means all proposals need to be balanced and considered through the lens of social, commercial, environmental and transportation requirements.” Updates on the NPA’s plans will be posted to its website at www.npa.ca.
Dumas said the Port Authority will prioritize opportunities to upgrade the Commercial Inlet Basin and Marina in downtown Nanaimo with more commercial and transportation activities. Also high on the priority list is modernizing and extending commercial activity at the Duke Point Terminal. A key element of the plan is to transform the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf lands into a mix of commercial and light industry uses to help spur growth.