The Portland Canal Marine Terminal in Stewart has officially opened under majority Indigenous ownership, one year after the Nisg̱a’a Nation, Tahltan Nation Development Corporation and Arrow Transportation Systems acquired the facility.
The partners marked the opening Wednesday, Sept. 9, calling it a milestone for Indigenous-led infrastructure ownership and Northwest B.C.’s growing critical minerals sector.
The terminal is owned through Portland Canal Holdings Limited Partnership, a partnership between the Nisg̱a’a Nation, Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, the business arm of the Tahltan Nation, and Arrow Transportation Systems.
The B.C. government supported the acquisition with a $5-million grant through its Northwest Strategy.
Located at the northern end of the Portland Canal, the terminal is a fully permitted deep-sea shipping facility that handles critical minerals, including regional copper concentrate.
The facility is positioned to support mines in the Golden Triangle, including Newmont’s Brucejack and Red Chris mines, which are located within the territories of the Nisg̱a’a and Tahltan Nations.
Since acquiring the terminal in fall 2025, the partners have focused on modernization, improving operations and planning for future expansion.
A recent federal funding announcement is also expected to support that work. Portland Canal Terminals LP is receiving $672,134 from PacifiCan to help modernize and expand the terminal.
The terminal currently handles approximately 300,000 tonnes of copper and gold concentrate each year.
It provides all-weather, ice-free operations and has direct highway access connecting the port with Northwest B.C. and Yukon.
The operators also point to shorter shipping distances to Asian markets, which can help reduce fuel and charter costs for mineral shipments.
The terminal and Portland Canal Transportation are part of an integrated trucking, logistics and marine transportation network serving customers throughout Northwest B.C.
The Portland Canal Group employs about 100 full-time workers across its port and transportation operations.
The partners said the investments will strengthen access to global markets as mining activity continues to grow across the Golden Triangle and Northwest B.C.
The region is home to more than half of B.C.’s exploration and mining sector, according to the partnership, putting the Stewart terminal in a position to play a larger role in moving critical minerals to international markets.
The partners said the expansion and modernization work will also support economic opportunities for the Nisg̱a’a and Tahltan Nations, as well as communities across Northwest B.C.
Tahltan Central Government President Kerry Carlick said the terminal could become an economic driver for the region.
“The Portland Canal Marine Terminal is an economic engine for the future of our region, linking the projects, infrastructure and opportunities across Tahltan Territory and Northwest B.C. to global markets.”
Carlick said the partnership would help turn that growth into long-term benefits for Tahltan people.
“Through our ownership via Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, we are turning that growth into lasting benefits at home: more opportunities for our people and businesses, better infrastructure and stronger communities, and more resources to support the health and well-being of Tahltan people for generations to come.”
Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government President Eva Clayton said the opening represented Indigenous leadership and economic self-determination.
“The official opening of the Portland Canal Marine Terminal is a significant milestone for the Nisg̱a’a Nation and represents the strength of Indigenous leadership, partnership, and economic self-determination. Our partnership with the Tahltan Nation and Arrow Transportation Systems demonstrates what can be achieved when Indigenous Nations and industry work together to build meaningful economic opportunities.”
Clayton said the investment would also create opportunities for Nisg̱a’a citizens and communities.
“We are proud to be part of this investment in our region and look forward to the opportunities it will create for our citizens, our communities, and future generations. With the support of our partners and governments, we are building a stronger economic future while ensuring that Indigenous Nations have a meaningful role in shaping the development of our territories and our region.”
B.C. Premier David Eby said the port would support mining jobs and the province’s trade goals.
“The official opening of the Portland Canal Marine Terminal shows that when governments, First Nations and the private sector work together we can move quickly to create good jobs and grow our economy.”
Eby also pointed to the terminal’s role in the province’s mining sector and trade diversification.
“This port is key to thousands of jobs in mining in B.C. and supports our nation’s global trade diversification efforts.”
With the terminal now operating under majority Indigenous ownership, the partners said it is positioned to support the continued growth of the critical minerals sector and provide a transportation link between Northwest B.C.’s mining projects and international markets.
The modernization and expansion investments are expected to further strengthen the terminal’s role in the region’s transportation and resource economy.
