Port of Thunder Bay collects $6.7 million for expansion projects
The federal government has announced $6.7 million in funding for two projects at the Port of Thunder Bay.
The funding, which is being provided through the National Trade Corridors Fund, aims to enhance reliable trade flows with global markets, foster increased exports and optimize the efficiency of Canada's national transportation system.
Up to $3 million of the funding will allow the Port of Thunder Bay to redevelop the existing marshalling yard at the Ports Keefer Terminal. Adding new heavyweight rail track and switches will increase the port’s cargo handling capabilities and will provide opportunities to attract new markets and improve supply chain fluidity.
A further $3.7 million will be used to enhance the Port’s capacity by upgrading the wharf at Keefer Terminal; expanding the terminal’s cargo laydown area; developing the electrical infrastructure for the new laydown area; and improving the rail crossing infrastructure between Keefer Terminal and the marshalling yard.
"We’re investing in the Port of Thunder Bay to redevelop the marshalling yard and increase cargo handling capabilities, to boost Canada’s competitiveness,” said Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez. “Canadian businesses will benefit from better access to international markets, and Canadian consumers will keep being able to access affordable goods, when they need them."
These projects will grow the Northern Ontario economy by supporting various important industries including grain, potash, steel, wind turbine components, transformers, and phosphate fertilizers.
The federal government’s National Trade Corridors Fund is a competitive, merit-based program designed to help infrastructure owners and users invest in the critical transportation assets that support economic activity in Canada. Over $4.1 billion in funding has been committed under the program.
Through the National Trade Corridors Fund, Transport Canada is supporting improvements to Canada’s roads, rail, air, and marine shipping routes to foster domestic and international trade.