Neptune has been operating on the North Shore for more than 50 years, and we prioritize purchasing and community investment in our local community. As we have grown over the years, so too has our impact on the local economy.
We contribute economically in many different ways:
- Our Buy Local initiative prioritizes local procurement. In an average year, we spent approximately $10 million on goods and services from North Shore businesses, many of which are small businesses owned by local residents and employing people in our community. In addition, we spend an average of $12 million with other businesses throughout the Greater Vancouver region. Spending grows in direct connection with capital improvements at our terminal. For more information see our Procurement section.
- We are one of the largest taxpayers in the City of North Vancouver, and contribute over $1.9 million in municipal taxes annually, in addition to $4.2 million annually to other levels of government.
- We partner with more than 47 different local organizations and programs operating on the North Shore. In addition to our volunteer and in-kind contributions, we donate an average of $500,000 annually to organizations that serve the local population.
- We employ approximately 350 people in well-paying jobs – with wages and benefits of $66 million annually. These positions include staff – many of whom live on the North Shore – as well as unionized foremen and longshoremen from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).
- Neptune, along with other terminals on the North Shore, contributes to local infrastructure through a Port of Vancouver Gateway Improvement Fee which we pay on each tonne of product we ship. We have contributed $10 million since 2010 to Gateway Improvements including Low Level Road. Our annual contributions will grow in connection with increased throughput at our terminal, beginning in 2021. This type of private sector funding for public infrastructure is unique and unprecedented.