June 28, 2021 — As announced on June 3, 2021, the Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) and San Group Incorporated (San Group) reached an agreement to transition the operation of PAPA’s Port Alberni Shipping Terminals Berth 3 dock and adjacent land facilities to the company. Both PAPA and San Group are pleased to announce the transition will officially commence July 1, 2021.

Under the agreement San Group, which is British Columbia’s largest and premier value-added wood products manufacturer, will operate the shipping activities of Berth 3, as well as upland terminals, storage warehouse, machine shop and forklift bay facilities. While the handover begins July 1st the Port Authority’s Director of Operations, Mike Carter, will provide ongoing support for San Group, shippers and other facility users. This transition and PAPA support is expected to last for approximately the next twelve months. The operational transition support will provide San Group the opportunity to better understand the facility, its operations, and to determine capital investment priorities. PAPA Board of Directors Chairperson, Shelley Chrest says that “the Port is currently working with San Group on an application for funding under the National Trade Corridors Fund program to leverage its investments further and achieve greater economic benefits for the community sooner.”

San Group spokesperson, Mike Ruttan, states: “to celebrate this landmark milestone, which marks the beginning of a new era of shipping and manufacturing of premier value-added forestry products in Port Alberni, we invite the public on July 1st to enjoy a fireworks display, from the COVID-safety of the outside areas of their homes. The display will launch from Berth 3, south of Harbour Quay Marina at approximately 9:45 pm.”

Over the coming months San Group will take on more of the direct operational management role of the facilities under the Agreement. As San Group becomes increasingly familiar with the operations and industry stakeholders during the transition various contacts and networks will be established. In the meantime, PAPA’s Director of Operations remains the primary contact. Mr. Carter will assist with making introductions among stakeholders and San Group and is available to assist via his PAPA telephone and e-mail contacts.