Transport Canada: C$6.7MM to Increase Capacity at Port of Thunder Bay

“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 Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez.

Transport Canada on March 15 announced an investment of up to C$6.7 million for two projects at the Port of Thunder Bay through the National Trade Corridors Fund.

This commitment, Transport Canada says, “aims to enhance reliable trade flows with global markets, foster increased exports and optimize the efficiency of Canada’s national transportation system.”

According to Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River, Ontario, Marcus Powlowski, on behalf of Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez, the Government of Canada will contribute:

• Up to C$3 million to 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.
• Up to C$3.7 million to the Port of Thunder Bay 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.

These projects, Transport Canada says, will grow the Northern Ontario economy by supporting various important industries, including grain, potash, steel, wind turbine components, transformers, and phosphate fertilizers.

“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 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.”

“Today’s investment will upgrade the Port and Keefer Terminal’s ability to handle goods. The terminal is a gateway to Canada,” said Powlowski. “It handles a variety of items ranging from important components needed for tar sand and mining projects, to gigantic components for wind turbines, to fertilizer needed for prairie farmers. Given the importance of the terminal to our country’s economy, this funding is welcome news not just for Northwestern Ontario, but also for the Prairies and our entire country.”

“Port of Thunder Bay is grateful for these contributions from the National Trade Corridors Fund that support both expansion and efficiency improvements at Keefer Terminal,” said Port of Thunder Bay CEO Chris Heikkinen. “Strategically located at the furthest inland port in Canada, this premiere intermodal facility is a vital supply chain link for international imports of breakbulk, project cargo, and bulk, serving the Prairies and Northern Ontario.”