VANCOUVER — After months of discussion and planning, the three B.C. Lower Mainland port authorities melded into one at the turn of the New Year.

The port authorities received confirmation that the federal government issued the “Certificate of Amalgamation” to combine the Fraser River Port Authority, the North Fraser Port Authority, and the Vancouver Port Authority.

As a result, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) was formed on Jan. 1.

The amalgamation of the three port authorities is a key policy measure under the federal government’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative.

“We look forward to maximizing our contribution to Lower Mainland communities, and regional and national economies,” noted Sarah Morgan-Silvester, chair of the Lower Mainland Port Amalgamation Transition Committee.

As part of the amalgamation process, the three port authorities have developed blended functional teams that include representatives from each authority who have been working cooperatively since early 2007 toward the same amalgamation goals.

The VFPA’s jurisdiction will encompass the combined land, water and assets of the existing three Canada Port Authorities. The amalgamated port will be well positioned to better coordinate port planning and develop new investment opportunities that will facilitate the circulation of goods to and from foreign markets. The VFPA will also have greater resources for land acquisition, river management and strategic infrastructure investments.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority will operate from the three existing port offices located in New Westminster, Richmond and at Canada Place in Vancouver.

The VFPA announced the new Board of Directors, which consists of directors from the boards of all three former port authorities.

The VFPA Board of Directors elected Sarah Morgan-Silvester as chair and Peter Podovinikoff as vice-chair of the 11-member board.

The seven members nominated by the Port User group and continuing in their director capacity include Doug Butterworth, Andrew Johnston, Ken Matchett, Jack Matthews, Peter Podovinikoff, Bob Wilds and John Willcox.

Trevor Klassen continues as the Western Provinces appointee, Kazuko Komatsu continues as the federal appointee, Sarah Morgan-Silvester continues as the provincial appointee and Helen Sparkes continues as the municipal appointee.

The VFPA Board of Directors also announced today that they have unanimously appointed Capt. Gordon Houston as president and CEO.

“With a broader scope and more influence, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority will be able to further enrich our community partnerships and better commit to improving our levels of customer service,” said Houston.