July 7, 2006: The Fraser River Port Authority invites all FraserFest 2006 visitors aboard a harbour tour of Fraser River Port. The popular FraserFest attraction will run Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16, every hour between 10 am and 4 pm, rain or shine. Tours will leave from the dock under the Inn at Westminster Quay.

“Cargo moving through the Port has enabled the creation of over 16,100 jobs and what better, exciting way than our annual harbour tours to give the community a close-up view of what the Port does and how it benefits the region,” said Captain Allen Domaas, President and CEO of the Fraser River Port Authority.

Harbour tours of the Port will be aboard the M.V. Native, a replica of the paddlewheelers used as common cargo carriers at the turn of the 19^th century. These steam-powered ships once criss-crossed the Fraser River carrying goods to and from the Port. Today, they have been replaced by daily visits of container ships, ro ro's, and bulk carriers, which have contributed to the movement of 38.8 million tonnes of cargo through the Port. Archie Miller, the affable local historian from A Sense of History Research Services, will provide the narration.

Tickets ($5/adults and $2/children) for the 45-minute tour can be purchased on the dock next to the vessel during FraserFest, beginning at 9 am Saturday and Sunday. All proceeds from the tours will go to the Fraser Alumni Scholarship Fund for Sea Cadets and Navy League, and school programs at Fraser River Discovery Centre and Samson V Maritime Museum. These programs provide children and youth with opportunities to learn about the marine environment and waterborne commerce.