Two Lake Superior ports see commercial upgrades

Two ports on Lake Superior’s north shore are getting upgrades to their cargo handling capabilities.

The federal government is funding expansion at the Port of Thunder Bay, Ontario. At the town of Marathon, Ontario, QSL and the Peninsula Harbour Port Authority Corporation are joining forces to redevelop the harbour to improve the water depth.

The investment of up to $6.7 million for two projects at Thunder Bay is coming from through the National Trade Corridors Fund.

The government of Canada will contribute up to $3 million to the Port of Thunder Bay to redevelop the existing marshalling yard at the port’s 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.

As well, the government will provide up to $3.7 million to upgrade the wharf at Keefer Terminal; expand the terminal’s cargo laydown area; develop the electrical infrastructure for the new laydown area; and improve the rail crossing infrastructure between Keefer Terminal and the marshalling yard.

These projects will support industries including grain, potash, steel, wind turbine components, transformers, and phosphate fertilizers.

At Marathon, terminal operator QSL and the Peninsula Harbour Port Authority Corporation have been working to establish a business plan to revitalize a decommissioned former industrial site. The site has substantial storage capabilities within the port limits,  and provides multimodal options with rail facilities and direct access to main roads. They are focusing on infrastructure improvements which will improve available draft.

“We have been working on this concept for several years now, so it is exciting to see that we are moving forward with this project and unlocking its economic potential. This will be a critical development to help build and sustain the local and regional economy and create new business and industry opportunities while respecting the environment and Lake Superior. The partnership with QSL is an excellent fit for us based on their experience and network,” said Daryl Skworchinski, president of the Peninsula Harbour Port Authority Corporation.

The Peninsula Harbour Port Authority Corporation is a 50/50 joint venture between the Town of Marathon and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg that operates a commercial port on Lake Superior servicing regional mining, forestry, logistics, and manufacturing industries while respecting the environment and Lake Superior.