The Member of Parliament representing Thunder Bay-Rainy River, Ontario, Marcus Powlowski, acting on behalf of Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez, has unveiled a substantial investment totaling $6.7 million for two pivotal projects at the Port of Thunder Bay. The funding, facilitated through the National Trade Corridors Fund, underscores a commitment to fortifying trade corridors, bolstering exports, and streamlining Canada’s transportation infrastructure.
With this investment, the Government of Canada is poised to allocate up to $3 million towards the redevelopment of the marshalling yard at the Ports Keefer Terminal. The endeavor will involve the addition of state-of-the-art heavyweight rail tracks and switches, amplifying the Port’s capacity for cargo handling. This expansion aims to attract new markets, enhance supply chain fluidity, and elevate Canada’s competitive edge on the global stage.
Furthermore, an additional $3.7 million is earmarked for enhancing the Port’s overall capacity, focusing on key areas such as the upgrade of the wharf at Keefer Terminal, expansion of cargo laydown facilities, development of requisite electrical infrastructure, and improvements to rail crossing infrastructure linking Keefer Terminal with the marshalling yard. These strategic enhancements are projected to catalyze economic growth in Northern Ontario, benefiting vital sectors including grain, potash, steel, wind turbine components, transformers, and phosphate fertilizers.
In the words of Minister Pablo Rodriguez, “We’re investing in the Port of Thunder Bay to redevelop the marshalling yard and increase cargo handling capabilities, to boost Canada’s competitiveness. 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.”
The infusion of funds into Thunder Bay’s port infrastructure underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to bolstering Canada’s economic resilience and fortifying its position in the global marketplace.
