The first Port Cities Conference, held June 12, 2008, was a combined effort between Metro Vancouver and the Port Authority, a step towards implementing the two organization’s Engagement Framework,which signifies and fosters meaningful consultation and relationships with port communities. The conference was an opportunity to exchange information and best practices about common issues through panel discussions on issues such as Taxation and the Economy; Security and Emergency Response; and Regional Planning (click on the panel presentations for more detail).

The conference saw the unveiling of the new logo and name for the Port Authority – Port Metro Vancouver, and an overview of the port operations and projects. Metro Vancouver presented its goals and objectives in the new Sustainability Framework (highlights can be seen in the presentation).

This ongoing collaboration is also seen as the opportunity to engage other interested stakeholders in similar forums in the future.