Posted on March 18, 2026
Recent comments from Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley may have created some confusion about the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s proposal to dredge sections of the shipping channel east of Second Narrows in Burrard Inlet.
I would like to clarify that this dredging would not change the types of tankers from those currently accessing Trans Mountain’s Westridge terminal, where size remains limited to the Aframax vessels and below.
The proposed work would deepen parts of the existing navigation channel, allowing tankers that already visit the terminal to maximize their capacity utilization and carry more product.
This would help improve the efficiency of existing operations, increase port capacity, and support Canada’s efforts to grow trade with global markets.
First Nations consultation, public engagement and regulatory reviews are currently underway for the proposal.
I encourage anyone interested in learning more or sharing their views to visit portvancouver.com/secondnarrowsdredging.
Public engagement is open until March 20.
