Prince Rupert Port Authority looks to move forward with plans for a new Interpretive experience

The Prince Rupert Port Authority Interpretive Centre provides
a glimpse into the impact of Port development on the Prince Rupert area

Visitors to the Atlin Centre's Prince Rupert Port Authority Interpretive Centre could see a whole new look to the popular attraction in the future, that as the PRPA puts forward a Request for Proposals for a Redesign of the Centre on the city's CowBay area waterfront.

The Interpretive Centre makes for one of the most popular stops in the city for both residents and visitors, sharing space with Tourism Prince Rupert's Visitors Centre, while providing for the window into the Port's world and how it serves the region and builds the economy.

The RFP which was posted on Wednesday to the BC Bid website, outlines the scope of the work ahead as part of Phase One, which is the design phase for the ambitious plans ahead:

As Phase One of a larger project, the scope of this phase is limited to the preparation of a concept design and once approved, preparation of detailed construction/fabrication drawings and technical specifications. 

The delivery of a complete set of drawings and technical specification for use to tender work for construction services for the PIC Redesign is required. The design and documents must reflect PRPA’s new brand, identity, and core values.

The documentation provides a snapshot of how the Port would like to see the Centre refresh realized and to what elements the successful applicant should focus on.

The Refreshed Interpretive Centre is intended to be utilized in multiple ways; to inform and to engage with all identified audiences:

Prince Rupert, Port Edward and North Coast residents, including: a) School and youth organizations b) Indigenous organizations c) Local community organizations d) Local workforce e) Local businesses f) PRPA staff 

Visitors to Prince Rupert, including a) Northern BC and AB residents, especially those tied to exports through the Port b) Cruise visitors c) Commercial partners and customers

As part of the PRPA Public Affairs Strategy, the goals for the redesigned Interpretive Centre include:

The space should be successful in conveying the following key messages to visitors: 

a) The Port’s terminals, operations and flow of global trade through the Port of Prince Rupert, preferably in ways that emphasize the demonstration and interactive exploration of multiple real-time connections and transportation modes 

b) The Port’s future development vision 

c) The economic impact of the Port industry, including occupations and careers 

d) PRPA’s sustainability initiatives and environmental performance 

e) PRPA’s commitment to the local community, including community investments and engagement programs.

In addition, the space should have the ability and flexibility to support current communication campaigns, new project information, and explore global issues with local relevance.

The deadline for those with an interest in providing for the vision for the centre in the future comes up on January 15th of 2022.

The timeline towards providing for the blue print of sorts for future redevelopment of the Interpretive Centre looks as follows:

The contact person for the RFP is Natalie Allen, Community Relations Associate at the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

Those with questions on the project can contact her at nallen@rupertport.com

The full overview of the Port's requirements for the project can be reviewed from the BC Bid website.

More notes on the Port can be reviewed from our archive page here.