Port of Algoma funding
Canada has a vast marine transportation sector which is the foundation of much of the country’s economic prosperity. Whether it’s getting commodities to international markets, importing or exporting goods, or welcoming visitors to our world-class coastal tourism destinations – marine transportation helps make it happen.
The Government of Canada is supporting the marine industry’s move to net-zero emissions. Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, joined Mayor Matthew Shoemaker to announce funding to study and assess the possibility of creating a new public port. Through Transport Canada’s Green Shipping Corridor Program, the government will be investing $405,300 in the study.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie occupies a strategically advantageous position along the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway system. Port access at the nodal point of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron serves as a pivotal driver of regional sustainable growth and economic diversification. Marine transportation enables Sault Ste. Marie to be a globally cost competitive location for the shipment of materials, goods, and products, both in-bound and out-bound.
The proposed port development project aims to significantly augment the capacity of the port complex, fostering sustainability within key industries in the Sault Ste. Marie region. Enhanced marine transportation capabilities promise greater throughput of goods and commodities, offering a compelling cost advantage over alternative transportation modes.
By embracing environmentally friendly practices, the port aims to minimize its ecological footprint and contribute to the broader goal of building a sustainable infrastructure network. Groundwork has already been laid to collaborate with the City’s local utility company, PUC Services Inc., to introduce green energy alternatives to service project infrastructure.
QUOTES
“Sault Ste. Marie has great potential to grow as a hub of shipping on the Great Lakes, and can benefit from the many industries that are growing in Northern Ontario. This project is a tremendous opportunity for Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District to continue our growth. Making sure that our port has the capacity to serve these industries will benefit our whole community and its workers, and I am proud that our federal government is making this investment.”
– Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors
“Sault Ste. Marie is strategically located in the heart of the Great Lakes with direct access to the United States. Developing the Port of Algoma is a key step in maximizing this geographic advantage. I’m optimistic that today’s announcement marks significant progress toward this long-anticipated project.”
– Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie
“The proposed Port of Algoma will provide a tremendous economic boost to many of our local businesses as well as bring new and exciting opportunities that will help in the growth of our entire region. The Chamber offers its thanks to MP Terry Sheehan and our federal government for the support being provided to this very important and forward-thinking initiative.”
– Don Mitchell, Interim CEO, Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce