Canpotex, proponents of a new potash export facility on Ridley Island in Prince Rupert, will be hosting a public information session at the Lester Centre of the Arts beginning at 6:30 p.m. this evening and Mayor Jack Mussallem is hoping to see the community come out to show their support for this massive proposed development.

“It’s important that citizens of Prince Rupert take an interest in our future, and a lot of our future will be through the enhancement of the port and port related facilities. Showing interest shows these organizations that if they come into the community, their presence in the community, their facilitation of employees in the community, their occupation of houses and apartments and their involvement in the community is appreciated,” he said.

“I would encourage people who care about our future and who are interested in the development of our future, which will certainly involve new port facilities, to go down to the open house.”

The Prince Rupert development is one of two options being looked at, the other being an expansion of the Canpotex facility in Vancouver. The decision is expected to come shortly, and Mussallem said people showing their support could result in significant economic benefits for Prince Rupert in the long term.

“It’s a great project that could create anywhere from 100 to 120 full time, permanent jobs. It would allow for further development of the port and the port infrastructure, which is also important for other possible tenants that are considering port facilities and it would enhance trade and commerce in the community,” he said.

Look for more on the open house tomorrow at thenorthernview.com.