The Fraser River Port Authority’s Board comprises seven Directors: four nominated by user groups and approved by the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, one federal appointee, one provincial appointee, and one appointee chosen by the nine municipalities of Richmond, Delta, New Westminster, Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam that border the Port Authority’s jurisdiction.

Ms. Sparkes was first appointed to the Port’s Board of Directors on May 1, 2003. Her responsibilities have included serving on the Office Accommodations Committee and the Human Resource and Compensation Committee, as well as Chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Sparkes, is currently also a Director of BC Assessment Authority Board, Massey Theatre Board, and Kiwanis Care Centre Board.

Between 1997 and 2002, Ms. Sparkes was the Mayor of New Westminster. While Mayor, she served on the Union of BC Municipalities Executive, as a Director of the Greater Vancouver Regional District, Vice Chair of the Greater Vancouver Water District, Director of TransLink, and Trustee of the Municipal Finance Authority (a central borrowing agency for municipalities, regional districts, and other government agencies). Between 1988 and 1996, Ms. Sparkes was a member of New Westminster City Council and served on numerous Boards and local Committees. In 2002, she was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Fraser River Port is Canada’s largest fresh-water port, and encompasses 270 kilometres of shoreline along the Fraser River from Langley to the Strait of Georgia. It contributes $2.3 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product, generates over $236 million in revenues to all levels of government through taxes and fees, and provides over 12,400 direct jobs.

The Fraser River Port Authority has a mandate to facilitate and support marine trade and port-related activities on the main arm of the Fraser River.