Vancouver: The Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) is announcing its new and ongoing security initiatives in light of the marking of one year since September 11, 2001. In total, the VPA will be spending more than $3 million a year on security measures at the Port of Vancouver. This does not include the investments that individual terminals will be making to enhance their security.

"As part of our ongoing leadership role in port security and together with our stakeholder committee, we have made great progress utilizing the latest technologies to provide better security both before September 11 and in the year following," said Captain Gordon Houston, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver Port Authority.

To date, the VPA has purchased a $2.5 million VACIS gamma ray machine to assist the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency in screening containers, performed terminal threat risk assessments and matched "level 3" U.S. security capabilities at its cruise terminals. New initiatives underway include the implementation by the port community of a card and gate access program for workers at the Port and its 25 major marine terminals; 24-hour monitoring of Closed Circuit Television coverage of port roadways and cruise terminals; a community incident reporting program to track suspicious activity; an appointment-only system for access to the Vanterm Viewing Centre and Observation Deck, and increased lighting and signage.

The VPA will also be closing certain access points to the VPA's private port roadway. Closures will begin on Saturday, September 7 and will occur from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

These access closures will affect access through Heatley Avenue, Victoria Drive and Clark Drive. Access through McGill Street to Commissioner Street will remain open. Port customers can continue to use McGill during this period. Exceptions will be made in the case of emergencies and special events.

"These initiatives will enhance the security of the port," said Houston. "But security comes with a price tag and is an issue of both national and economic importance." The Vancouver Port Authority supports the federal governments recent announcement to conduct a risk assessment for Canadas seaports. The federal government has the responsibility for national marine security policy, and the VPA looks forward to the federal government's development of the policy and a commitment to specific funding for port security.

The Port of Vancouver is Canada's largest and most diversified port, trading more than $29 billion in goods with more than 90 nations. Port activities generate 62,000 jobs in total with $1.6 billion in Gross Domestic Product and $3.5 billion in economic output. Last year, 72.9 million tonnes were shipped through the Port of Vancouver.



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For more information, please contact:

Anne McMullin,
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Vancouver Port Authority
(604) 665-9069 (office)
(604) 665-9073 (fax)
(604) 218-1403 (cellular)
anne.mcmullin@portvancouver.com

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