September Breakfast Session - Unlocking Infrastructure Opportunities in the Port of Vancouver Gateway: Building Capacity for Canada's Trade Future

Canada's economic future depends on a resilient, efficient, and globally competitive trade gateway. As demand for exports continues to grow, strategic investments in ports, terminals, rail, road, and trade-enabling infrastructure will be essential to expanding capacity and strengthening supply chains.

This session will bring together leaders from across the port, transportation, infrastructure, and resource sectors to explore where the greatest opportunities for investment exist, the challenges that must be addressed, and how industry, governments, and investors can work together to unlock the next generation of trade infrastructure.

Panelists will share perspectives on the future of the Port of Vancouver Gateway, terminal expansion, supply chain capacity, financing, project delivery, and the policy decisions needed to support long-term economic growth. Join us for a timely discussion on building the infrastructure that will strengthen Canada's Pacific Gateway and enhance our competitiveness in global markets.

Panelists

Rick Berg, P.Eng., is General Manager of Infrastructure at Ledcor and a senior leader with more than 30 years of experience delivering major infrastructure, transportation and hydroelectric projects. His experience spans progressive roles from Field Engineer to General Manager and includes the Arrow Lakes Generating Station, Sea to Sky Highway upgrades, Port Mann Bridge, Tank Hill Bridge Replacement and Surrey Langley SkyTrain Guideway. Rick provides strategic guidance to project management and estimating teams throughout the project lifecycle. He is also a member of the BC Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association’s Major Projects Committee.

Theresa Rawle is Director of Planning and Development at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, where she provides strategic direction on land use, development and transportation planning to support future trade growth at the Port of Vancouver. She leads strategic land development and infrastructure projects and works with industry partners to support continued investment in the Gateway. Theresa serves on the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Regional Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Richmond Economic Advisory Committee and the Richmond Chamber of Commerce Board. She holds an MBA specializing in personal and professional leadership from Royal Roads University.

Mike McLellan is Vice-President of Project Development at GCT Global Container Terminals and an accomplished operations executive with more than 40 years of leadership experience in British Columbia’s maritime transportation industry. Since joining GCT, he has held senior roles in cruise ship operations, terminal management, strategic initiatives and terminal operations at Deltaport before assuming his current position in 2017. Michael studied Commerce and Business Administration at UBC and has served on the boards of the Cruise Industry Association of British Columbia and the Catholic School Board of Vancouver.

Moderator

Mark Hodgson is a Partner leading Deloitte’s Infrastructure Advisory practice in Western Canada. With more than 30 years of experience, he advises governments and organizations on the financing, procurement and delivery of major infrastructure projects. His work spans highways, transit, ports, water, power, solid waste, hospitals and public buildings, with particular expertise in projects involving private-sector participation, complex funding and risk management. Mark also serves clients including the Port of Prince Rupert, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, TransLink and Infrastructure BC. A civil engineer, he holds an MBA in Finance and Strategy from McGill University.

Thank you, PBX Engineering and Hatfield, for sponsoring this event.

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As always, BCCR creates space for open, practical dialogue across owners, contractors, and consultants—focused on what’s working, what’s challenging, and where we can improve how projects are delivered.