In 1997, the District of North Vancouver established an industrial waterfront-working group to advise council on issues facing the waterfront industry. In May 1999, the task force report became public. While the report received many compliments for its clarity and completeness, not all council members at the time, shared the group’s views.

As a result, industry met in June 1999 and a decision was made to form an association that would represent waterfront / general industrial users in both the City and District of North Vancouver. This is the only industrial association in North Vancouver.

  • There are twelve member companies (with subsidiary companies).
  • These companies employ over 3,000 employees.
  • Total payroll for these companies is about $220 million.

MISSION STATEMENT

To contribute to community sustainability by improving the economic viability and community understanding of the importance of waterfront industries on the North Shore.

OBJECTIVES

  • Create an awareness of the contribution of industry to the North Shore community.
  • Achieve an equitable and competitive tax position for industry.
  • Open communication channels with all levels of government.

This association will proactively consider such issues as land use, taxation, transportation, competitiveness, economic development, public access and environment. The North Shore Waterfront Industrial Association will work with municipal councils on future issues facing waterfront industry and will work to direct and influence future planning.

NSWIA is an association of companies employing more than 3,000 people, and representing major industrial waterfront infrastructures located on the north shore of Vancouver harbour. Members include grain terminals, pulp and paper/lumber facilities, mineral export terminals, chemical producers, wood chip transfer facility and marine services such as shipyards, tug and barge operators. NSWIA’s objective is to contribute to community sustainability by improving both the economic viability and community understanding of the importance of waterfront industries on the North Shore.