The port instructs that construction on Lelu Island protest camp to stop

Protesters encamped on Lelu Island were asked to stop construction activities by the Port of Prince Rupert.

The site is where Pacific NorthWest has proposed a liquefied natural gas export terminal, which is still under review by the federal government. The protesters have occupied an area within the port's administrative jurisdiction since the fall of 2015.

The port gave instruction to the individuals on Lelu Island after consulting with the leadership of local Coast Tsimshian communities.

“We respect the right of any individual or group to express their opinions concerning port development if it is done in a safe and peaceful manner,” said Don Krusel, president and CEO of the Port of Prince Rupert. “However, raising makeshift structures does not meet that definition and has not been authorized.”

The port is the administrator of federal crown land on Lelu Island and it has not allowed occupation or construction on the area by the individuals who have set up the site as a protest camp.

"The port has reserved the right to require that existing structures be dismantled and all contents be removed from the island," as stated in the port's press release on Monday, April 11.