No. H031/03For release - April 17, 2003
OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced that Transport Canada, through its financial advisor, PricewaterhouseCoopers Securities Incorporated, has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the future of Ridley Terminals Incorporated in Prince Rupert, B.C.
The RFP will allow the government to consider available options for the future of the facility and is designed to assess the level of commercial interest in this terminal.
"Ridley Terminals is a world class facility. This RFP process is an important step in exploring options for this facility, and will potentially give all interested parties an opportunity to contribute to its future," said Minister Collenette.
Over the past year, Transport Canada has received unsolicited expressions of interest in the Ridley Terminals facility. This RFP will provide these companies, as well as other potentially interested parties, with an opportunity to participate in the proposals process, which is expected to take approximately four months to complete.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Securities was selected through an earlier RFP process to be the financial advisor to develop, manage and administer the process for soliciting proposals for Ridley Terminals. An independent environmental advisor, Dillon Consulting Limited, has also been hired to conduct environmental assessment work at the site and to participate in assessing the environmental aspects of proposals that may be received.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Securities, which is administering this RFP, will receive non-binding proposals until May 16, 2003. Those who put forward the most promising proposals will then be invited to submit refined proposals by June 27, 2003 on the basis of more detailed information about Ridley Terminals. Notice of the RFP can be found on the public sector electronic tendering service, MERX. All parties interested in this process should contact:
Andrew EdwardsSenior Vice-President and Managing DirectorPricewaterhouseCoopers Securities Inc.Tel.: (514) 205-5350; Fax: (514) 205-5695Email: andrew.a.edwards@ca.pwcglobal.com
Ridley Terminals Inc. is a federal Crown corporation located on a 55-hectare site on the northern end of Ridley Island in Prince Rupert, B.C. The terminal is a sophisticated bulk-handling facility used for storing and moving coal from unit trains onto ships. Access to the facility from the main CN North America rail line is provided by a three-track, 2,200 metre causeway.
At Prince Rupert, deep-water bulk carriers have year-round access to a large natural harbour that is sheltered by a ring of outer islands. The terminal has the capacity to ship approximately 16 million tonnes of coal a year. While Ridley Terminals Inc. is continuing to face significant challenges, it has been quite successful in lowering costs to help improve the viability of the terminal.
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Contact:
Anthony PolciDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
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