Berry Point Traffic Control Zone-2 and Traffic Control Zone-3 Range light installations

On February 9, 2024, a project permit was issued to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (Applicant) to install and operate two navigational aid platforms (i.e., range light towers) approximately 100 metres off the coast of Burnaby Refinery at Berry Point, located in Burnaby within Burrard Inlet in federal waters managed by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. 

The project was approved subject to 39 permit conditions the permit holder must meet to ensure the project does not result in significant adverse environmental effects. Please see the Canadian Impact Assessment Act Registry for the Notice of Intent and Notice of Decision. 

About the project 

The port authority will install and operate two navigational aid platforms to facilitate the movement of vessels through the Second Narrows Traffic Control Zone 2 (TCZ-2) as part of the port authority’s active traffic vessel traffic management program. Vessel traffic is expected to increase in the area due to current and future industrial development within the Burrard Inlet. The project would allow vessels with a length of 230 m and/or a moulded breadth of 35 m or more to transit TCZ-2 during nighttime – which is currently not allowed. 

Four (4) 914-millimetre diameter steel piles will be driven into the seabed at each location and the project footprint will be approximately 5.5 metres square below the highwater line and 65 metres square above the water. 

Once operational, the range lights would be powered with solar power and will remain in continuous operation, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, apart from maintenance activities when required.

The project will be undertaken with a marine spud derrick equipped with a drill rig and a vibratory hammer. The project is anticipated to take one month to install.