THE first round of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 community investment program launched Monday, with Delta organizations invited to apply for funding to support initiatives that create lasting local benefits or strengthen conservation efforts.
The first intake for the community investment program comes as momentum continues to build for Roberts Bank Terminal 2, with the federal government referring it to the Major Projects Office and a preferred construction partner for the landmass and wharf selected. Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is a generational, nation-building project that will fuel the local and national economy through new jobs and business opportunities, and increased community investment.
“At the Port of Vancouver, we know strong communities make us a better port and we’re proud of the work we do to help local families, businesses and organizations thrive through well-paid local jobs, purchasing of goods and services, and community funding programs,” said Alexa Young, Vice President, Government, External and Environmental Affairs at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “Roberts Bank Terminal 2 and its new community investment program will build on our legacy of enriching the lives of those who live and work by the port, providing Delta organizations and residents with new support to build a vibrant and resilient community.”
The three-berth container terminal will unlock $100 billion of trade capacity annually and help the Port of Vancouver move more of what Canadians make, mine, harvest and grow, supporting Prime Minister Mark Carney’s goal of doubling non-U.S. exports in the next decade.
“Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is an investment in Canada’s future, building the infrastructure needed to strengthen our economy, support good jobs, and diversify trade,” said Jill McKnight, MP for Delta and Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. “Through this community investment program and ongoing work with First Nations, we are ensuring the benefits of local initiatives and community organizations are shared across neighbouring communities in Delta as well as Tsawwassen First Nation and Musqueam Indian Band—creating stronger, more connected and thriving communities for tomorrow.”
There will be further opportunities to apply for funding through the community investment program in coming years, with the pre-construction funding available including:
- Community funding of $300,000 across 2026 and 2027
- Community spaces enhancement funding of $200,000 for enhancing or creating community spaces, with projects identified with community leaders in Ladner, Tsawwassen and North Delta
The port authority will continue to engage with local stakeholders to refine community investments that will be distributed during project construction, which is expected to include a $500,000 community education fund and $5 million in funding for community projects and initiatives.
Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is uniquely poised to deliver for Canada, with key environmental approvals already in place and mutual benefit agreements signed with 27 First Nations. These mutual benefit agreements will ensure the project delivers benefits like jobs, environmental initiatives, and training and contracting opportunities to First Nations including Tsawwassen First Nation and Musqueam Indian Band.
The port authority will also continue its engagement with First Nations over the fall on a Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Indigenous legacy benefit fund, intended to support initiatives of importance to First Nations in addition to other benefits resulting from the project.
The Port of Vancouver’s long-standing commitment to the local community includes support for events like the Luminary Festival, Tsawwassen Sun Festival and local National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations.
The new terminal will provide a powerful economic boost both locally and regionally, including creating more than 7,400 construction jobs and over 1,000 ongoing jobs in Delta, giving businesses competitive access to international markets and supporting affordability through more reliably available imported goods for Canadian families.
The project’s award-winning environmental plan is based on more than 15 years of study and created in partnership with First Nations. Designed to support a thriving local community, it includes the delivery of new habitat projects in Delta to support key species like juvenile Chinook salmon and Dungeness crab.
Applications for the initial $150,000 in community funding available must be submitted online by 4 p.m. on September 10.
Learn more about Roberts Bank Terminal 2.
