Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) and Metlakatla Development Corporation (MDC) have partnered to develop the South Kaien Import Logistics Park (SKILP), a US$70 million Indigenous-led joint venture aimed at driving long-term economic benefits for Metlakatla and creating new job opportunities for local Indigenous workers.
This initiative is expected to enhance intermodal trade through the Prince Rupert Gateway.
A key component of SKILP will be a logistics and warehousing complex designed to significantly expand import trans-loading capabilities at the Port of Prince Rupert. Construction is already underway on 227,000 m² of flat, serviced industrial land near Fairview Terminal, CN Rail, and the newly announced CANXPORT facility.
Harold Leighton, CEO of Metlakatla Development Corporation, stated: “MDC acquired the South Kaien lands in fee simple in 2019. We envision these lands as an integral part of the Prince Rupert Gateway and other commercial uses. However, SKILP is step one: MDC plans to develop the remaining 1.13 million m² in subsequent phases to support regional growth and provide economic opportunities for the region and the next generation of Metlakatla members.”
IntermodeX, a subsidiary of SSA Marine and a leading provider of integrated intermodal services, has been secured as the anchor tenant, pre-leasing the majority of SKILP. As the first major import logistics operator in Prince Rupert, IntermodeX will develop and operate a 134,000 m² logistics and warehousing facility, with operations expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
An additional 93,100 m² remains available for tenants seeking access to a deep-sea port, CN rail connections, a provincial highway, and a full-service intermodal gateway.
The primary construction contractor for the project is Coast Tsimshian Northern Contractors Alliance (CTNCA), an Indigenous-led joint venture between Coast Tsimshian Enterprises and IDL Projects Inc. MDC has secured US$30 million in funding from the National Trade Corridors Fund, while the Canada Infrastructure Bank is providing US$42 million in financing through its Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative.
SKILP plays a critical role in strengthening Prince Rupert’s fully integrated intermodal ecosystem, seamlessly connecting supply chain infrastructure within the growing gateway. The IntermodeX facility will complement the upcoming CANXPORT project, a large-scale export trans-loading and logistics facility under construction on nearby Ridley Island. Together, these projects will enhance efficiency and reinforce the balance of intermodal trade through the Prince Rupert Gateway, offering a competitive advantage for shippers.
Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO of Prince Rupert Port Authority, said: “This valued partnership with Metlakatla Development Corporation reinforces our commitment to creating sustainable business opportunities that generate employment, economic, and social benefits for Indigenous peoples on the North Coast, while also strengthening import transloading and logistics capabilities, bringing greater flexibility, agility, and resilience to shipper supply chains at the Port of Prince Rupert.”
