Adventures in Industry in the Port of Prince Rupert - May 21st to 24th

Colton Szmata and Nathan Furtado, grade 12 students from Mount Elizabeth Secondary School, were sponsored by our club to attend this adventure.  The many hours of commitment to make it a success, certainly showed.  Thanks go to organizers Bob Killbery and Leah Robinson. 

The youths certainly saw the port!  Starting at the Port Interpretive Centre, they toured B.C. Ferries, MV Northern Adventure from the bridge with all its navigational equipment, to the huge motors and repair area below decks.  Then it was on to the water for a tour where they saw logs loaded onto a vessel for shipment to foreign ports.  Next came Fairview Container Terminal with the day ending with a BBQ at Kiolya Bay and a chance to try sea kayaking. 

Thursday included a visit to Quickload Container Examination Facility to see the huge 'scanners' where all containers are off loaded then boxes scanned for illegal product.  Kristoff Trucking was next, with its huge warehouse where product is stored for short terms before moving to its end destination.  The students learned about work opportunities at Prince Rupert Grain, saw Ridley Terminals and the road/raid and utility corridor.  The day finished with a particularly informative tour of the North Pacific Cannery and delicious dinner. 

Friday started with a tour of the Canadian Coast Guard Base in Prince Rupert.  Learning how vast the scope of this organization's facility was enlightening.  Particularly eye-catching was the rescue helicopter and hearing its pilot's story.  The next stop was Northwest Community College and a fun experience for the youths.  Everyone tromped into the heavy equipment simulator trailer and each traded places as they tried moving controls on a backhoe, etc. while watching  the results on computer screens.  The afternoon was spent touring Broadwater Industries facilities, then Western Canada Marine Response Corp, another impressive business, with a place for everything and everything it its place.  Several trailers equipped for spill response move in tandem to make quick response to on the water spill disasters.

The youth helped out the environment to finish things off, some shore clean up in front of the Port Interpretive Centre.  Pizza took away the 'hungries' and then they were on there way back home.

William Koldenhoven was also registered from Kitimat but illness took over so he could not attend. 

Nathan and Colton expressed their sincere thanks to all of us for this excellent opportunity to participate in "Adventures".  Please see pictures in the Photo Albums taken on the tour.