Ontario Construction News staff writer
PRINCE RUPERT, BC – The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has closed a $60.7 million loan to support the development of the Indigenous-led South Kaien Import Logistics Park in British Columbia. This partnership with the Metlakatla Development Corporation (MDC) and the Prince Rupert Port Authority will help transform 56 acres of land near the Fairview Terminal into a state-of-the-art logistics facility.
The funding is part of CIBโs Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII) and will be used for critical site preparation work including heavy civil construction and bedrock levelling. This project will lay the foundation for future development that strengthens the Port of Prince Rupertโs role in Canadian supply chains, offering more capacity and flexibility for shippers.
Once fully developed, over half of the park will house a logistics and warehousing complex, greatly enhancing import transloading capabilities at the port. The remaining 23 acres are available for lease. This phase of development will create around 100,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of capacity for transloading marine containers into domestic containers, supporting Canadaโs supply chain resiliency.
Beyond logistics, the project will generate direct and indirect jobs, and provide valuable training opportunities for Indigenous communities, particularly for Metlakatla members in the Prince Rupert region, who are already part of the local trade corridor workforce.
The development is part of a broader vision by MDC to drive regional growth and create economic opportunities for future generations of Metlakatla members. This is CIBโs second investment in the Port of Prince Rupert; in May, CIB announced a $150-million loan for the CANXPORT export logistics hub at another port site.
โThis investment will help establish BCโs first Indigenous-led logistics facility, with Metlakatla Development Corporation playing a key role in its success,โ said Ehren Cory, CEO of CIB. โItโs an important step toward providing economic growth and creating jobs for Indigenous communities in the region.โ
The Port of Prince Rupert, North Americaโs closest deep-water port to Asia-Pacific markets, continues to be a critical hub for Canadian trade. With this investment, the portโs capacity will grow, supporting its long-term transformation into a full-service gateway.
Endorsements:
โThis investment supports Metlakatlaโs leadership in driving long-term economic benefits for the community,โ said the Hon. Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
โThe Port of Prince Rupert is a key part of our global trade network. This project will create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and boost regional economies,โ added the Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.
Harold Leighton, CEO of the Metlakatla Development Corporation, shared, โThis is just the first step in developing the South Kaien lands as a key commercial hub. We look forward to further phases that will support growth and opportunities for our members.โ
Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority, emphasized the importance of this development, saying, โThis support from CIB helps anchor the Port of Prince Rupert as a global trade gateway, increasing our competitiveness and enabling economic growth for First Nations-owned businesses.โ