Port of Quebec to expand with $60 million grant

Among a flurry of infrastructure funding announcements made this July, the Government of Canada has agreed to provide $60 million in federal funding for a deep water multi-purpose terminal expansion at the Port of Quebec.

“As a strategic deep water port at the head of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway, the Port of Québec will use this investment to solidify its competitive position on the North American market and address the concerns at the wharf over congestion and lack of space,” said Mario Girard, president and chief executive officer of the Quebec Port Authority.

The project will extend the wharf line in the Beauport sector by 610 metres, and increase the area behind the wharf by 18.5 hectares.

As well, a new railway track will be laid, and a segment of the Henri-Bourassa Boulevard on the port property will be rebuilt. The project will also involve compensating for the loss of fish habitat.

The $60 million is being funded under the National Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund and is contingent on the project meeting the fund’s eligibility requirements.

The Quebec Port Authority will be responsible for the remainder of the project costs, which are estimated to be almost $130 million in total.

Girard said the announcement of the expansion, made July 10, is the culmination of years of work and planning to provide the Port of Québec with a new multi-functional, deep water terminal with a depth of 16 metres at low tide. “In the context of market globalization, this project is good not only for Québec, but also for keeping the St. Lawrence competitive,” he said.

To see the government announcement, click here.