Squamish Terminals Celebrates 35 years
Squamish Terminals celebrates 35 years of operation this year. It was timely to chat with Ron Anderson, CEO about the impact of this last bastion of big industry.
For those of us not in the know about the terminal, it handles a type of cargo that is referred to as “break bulk” meaning that it’s usually obtuse in nature and won’t fit in a container. Most of us have driven past other nearby ports and noticed stack upon stack of big metal containers waiting their turn for unloading. Squamish Terminals does not handle that kind of cargo and continues to focus to what Anderson calls “core business”.
A prime example of that core business is those giant steel tubes you see cruising through Squamish. Tractor trailer trucks are picking up pipeline made in Japan and taking them to a holding area in the Industrial park. From there they ride the rails and become part of a 1.4 billon dollar expansion of the Kinder Morgan Terasen gas pipeline project. That pipeline will expand capacity for crude oil export from Fort McMurray’s oil-sands. You will see those pipes until the end of 2008.
Squamish Terminals is a private port. Unlike Prince Rupert or the Port of Vancouver, they are not eligible for Provincial and Federal funding. However, Anderson is quite optimistic about the future of the terminal.
“I see the future as being very strong. I feel the port could be as busy as it wants to be.”
However, there are some challenges. Currently they have a collective agreement with International Longshore and Warehouse Union local 500 from Vancouver. This local staffs the port and draws a great deal of its skilled staff from the greater Vancouver area. At certain times of the year, when other ports are busy, Squamish Terminals faces a labour shortage. December is one of the times a year that is the most difficult.
The port employs about 230 workers during peak times. On an average day, you’ll find 110 staffers at the port. A small portion of those are local. Peak is defined as having both berths in the terminal unloading ships and the processing of rail cars at the same time.
“Being outside of a Port Authority creates other opportunities. [Tourism] is not our core business but if it looks like a fit, we’ll consider it. ” says Anderson.
Those opportunities may have an impact on the much touted savior of the Squamish economy; tourism. Last year Squamish Terminals hosted four pocket cruise ships. Each ship carried around 140 people. Anderson admits that a few larger cruise ship companies based in Seattle have inquired with him about docking at his facility.
“I see tremendous potential, nearby, that fits better for the cruise ships.”
He’s referring to the Nexan lands. His feeling is the cruising industry will never generate as much money as a freight ship will. If this industry wishes to partner with Squamish Terminals, they’d need to have enhanced security and separate access to transport passengers into Squamish. In other words, they are not really set up to do it.
Anderson expressed some concerns about the possibility of having residential development next door. He wants the Terminal to be a good neighbor.
“We don’t want another Vancouver Airport situation where the neighbors get upset. We run 24/7 and we need bright lights and heavy equipment to operate. Correct planning and buffer zones need to be in place.”
After 35 years in Squamish, it’s safe to say that Squamish Terminals has been a very good neighbor and economic engine for Squamish.
Around the water cooler
The Cash Store recently opened under Manager Nicole Vardy on Winnipeg Street. 815-4616
One Percent Realty adds Luis Ayala and Andre Zubko to the roster. Call 849-1100
Closing: Lotus Art Supply store and Basic Intimates clothing
For those of us not in the know about the terminal, it handles a type of cargo that is referred to as “break bulk” meaning that it’s usually obtuse in nature and won’t fit in a container. Most of us have driven past other nearby ports and noticed stack upon stack of big metal containers waiting their turn for unloading. Squamish Terminals does not handle that kind of cargo and continues to focus to what Anderson calls “core business”.
A prime example of that core business is those giant steel tubes you see cruising through Squamish. Tractor trailer trucks are picking up pipeline made in Japan and taking them to a holding area in the Industrial park. From there they ride the rails and become part of a 1.4 billon dollar expansion of the Kinder Morgan Terasen gas pipeline project. That pipeline will expand capacity for crude oil export from Fort McMurray’s oil-sands. You will see those pipes until the end of 2008.
Squamish Terminals is a private port. Unlike Prince Rupert or the Port of Vancouver, they are not eligible for Provincial and Federal funding. However, Anderson is quite optimistic about the future of the terminal.
“I see the future as being very strong. I feel the port could be as busy as it wants to be.”
However, there are some challenges. Currently they have a collective agreement with International Longshore and Warehouse Union local 500 from Vancouver. This local staffs the port and draws a great deal of its skilled staff from the greater Vancouver area. At certain times of the year, when other ports are busy, Squamish Terminals faces a labour shortage. December is one of the times a year that is the most difficult.
The port employs about 230 workers during peak times. On an average day, you’ll find 110 staffers at the port. A small portion of those are local. Peak is defined as having both berths in the terminal unloading ships and the processing of rail cars at the same time.
“Being outside of a Port Authority creates other opportunities. [Tourism] is not our core business but if it looks like a fit, we’ll consider it. ” says Anderson.
Those opportunities may have an impact on the much touted savior of the Squamish economy; tourism. Last year Squamish Terminals hosted four pocket cruise ships. Each ship carried around 140 people. Anderson admits that a few larger cruise ship companies based in Seattle have inquired with him about docking at his facility.
“I see tremendous potential, nearby, that fits better for the cruise ships.”
He’s referring to the Nexan lands. His feeling is the cruising industry will never generate as much money as a freight ship will. If this industry wishes to partner with Squamish Terminals, they’d need to have enhanced security and separate access to transport passengers into Squamish. In other words, they are not really set up to do it.
Anderson expressed some concerns about the possibility of having residential development next door. He wants the Terminal to be a good neighbor.
“We don’t want another Vancouver Airport situation where the neighbors get upset. We run 24/7 and we need bright lights and heavy equipment to operate. Correct planning and buffer zones need to be in place.”
After 35 years in Squamish, it’s safe to say that Squamish Terminals has been a very good neighbor and economic engine for Squamish.
Around the water cooler
The Cash Store recently opened under Manager Nicole Vardy on Winnipeg Street. 815-4616
One Percent Realty adds Luis Ayala and Andre Zubko to the roster. Call 849-1100
Closing: Lotus Art Supply store and Basic Intimates clothing
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