Port of Botwood Wharf Rehabilitation Project

Port of Botwood Wharf Rehabilitation  Project

I wish to comment on the project and the Initial Project Description Summary. 

The federal government transferred ownership and management of the Port of Botwood to the Exploits Valley Port Corporation (EVPC) for the benefit of the Town of Botwood and surrounding communities. EVPC included members from town councils in the area when it was formed. My concern is the proposed rehabilitation project is not for the benefit of the communities. 

EVPC signed a lease with Exploits Marine and Logistics Inc for property which was transferred from the federal government. 

The consideration for the lease is $1.00 and the term is 50 years with options for renewal. 

EVPC and Exploits Marine and Logistics Inc have signed a 30 year Master Lease Option Agreement with Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation (EVREC) and Abraxas Power for the use of the Port of Botwood.There are options for additional five year terms. 

EVPC plans to develop the Port of Botwood to meet the needs of EVREC.

The Project  Summary states they will not introduce new types of cargo and will not significantly increase ship traffic beyond historical levels. EVREC plans to transport 1,000,000 tons of ammonia through the town and out of the port. I believe ammonia would be a new cargo for the port particularly in these amounts.

Ammonia is classified as a hazardous material it is corrosive, toxic and flammable and can cause serious health injuries and in high enough concentrations death. 

The project summary does not address this issue at all and it does not appear that the Exploits Valley Corporation and Exploits Marine and Logistics Inc have been completely transparent about their plans for the Botwood Wharf Rehabilitation Project. 

Section 14.17 of the agreement between the Government of Canada and Exploits Valley Port Corporation states no current or former public servant or public office holder can derive direct benefit from the Agreement. I am concerned that this condition may have been breached as former council members are directors of Exploits and Marine Logistics and appear to be closely aligned with EVREC. 

The project summary refers to two open houses, one in December 2025 and one in February 2026. There was only one open house, the one in December was canceled due to weather and rescheduled to February. 

While the revitalization of the port of Botwood could be of significant benefit to the community, the assessment of this project must consider who benefits from the wharf rehabilitation, the real scope of the plans for the port and most importantly, the health and safety of the community.