The federal government has designated the $5.9-billion Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion in Delta as a project of national interest, a move expected to accelerate construction and strengthen Canada's trade capacity.
Announced Friday, the designation is part of Ottawa's broader strategy to diversify international trade and reduce Canada's reliance on the United States.
The project, led by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, would expand container capacity at the Port of Vancouver by approximately 50 per cent, adding 2.4 million containers in annual capacity.
The federal government says the expansion could support up to $100 billion in annual trade, create approximately 17,000 jobs across Canada's supply chains, and contribute $3 billion annually to the country's GDP.
“By listing Roberts Bank Terminal 2 as a project of national interest, we are better connecting our economy with the world and diversifying our trade,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement. “As the world competes for capital, Canada will not wait.”
We just listed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 as a project of national interest.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) November 2, 2026
That means major new container capacity, so we can sell more of what Canadians grow, produce, and manufacture to the world.
That’s great news for Canadian businesses and great news for Canadian… https://t.co/1tZYeGS3jB
The designation provides greater certainty around remaining federal regulatory approvals and could accelerate the terminal's opening by up to four years, from 2039 to 2035.
According to Transport Canada, the project is now on track for a potential final investment decision by mid-2027.
The expansion is also intended to address growing congestion and capacity constraints at Canada's largest port.
Ottawa estimates that without additional capacity, Canadians could face between $800 million and $900 million in additional annual shipping costs beginning as early as 2031.
“Roberts Bank Terminal 2 will add much-needed capacity at our largest port, reduce bottlenecks and strengthen the transportation links Canadian businesses count on,” federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said.
Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson welcomed the announcement, calling it a significant opportunity to boost BC's economy, attract investment, and create jobs.
“Our incoming government is committed to making British Columbia a place to build,” Doerkson said in a statement Friday.
British Columbia is Canada's gateway to the Asia-Pacific.
— Lorne Doerkson (@LDoerkson) October 31, 2026
Today's Roberts Bank Terminal 2 announcement is a major step forward for jobs, investment, and trade in our province.
Our incoming government is ready to work with Ottawa to get it built.
Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/a8filHNLJs
He added that his government is prepared to work with Ottawa, industry, and First Nations partners to move the project forward as quickly as possible.
The project will also include environmental protection measures, with the federal government committing nearly $2 billion toward protecting fish habitats, marine mammals, Pacific salmon, southern resident killer whales, and other at-risk species.
Ottawa says existing federal environmental assessment conditions will remain in place, alongside consultation with Indigenous communities. The project includes 27 mutual benefit agreements intended to support Indigenous employment, training, and business opportunities.
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority president and CEO Peter Xotta called the designation an important milestone for Canada's trade infrastructure.
“At a time when expanding and diversifying our trade has never been more important, we’re excited to keep moving Roberts Bank Terminal 2 forward and build the capacity Canada needs for the future,” Xotta said.
The project forms part of the federal government's Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy and its goal of doubling Canadian exports to non-US markets by 2035.
