Financing will enable the Port to increase its productivity and continue to grow
TROIS-RIVIÈRES, QC, June 28, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, was accompanied today by Mr. Cléo Marchand, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA), and by Mr. Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO of the TRPA, to announce a major investment to improve the Port of Trois-Rivières.
The project includes the reconstruction of Pier 13, the construction of a new roll-on / roll-off ramp at Pier 10 and the construction of enclosed storage facilities at Pier 19, hangars 24 and 25. These improvements represent a 40 per cent increase in outdoor dock storage space, while the enclosed storage capacity for solid bulk will be expanded by 65,000 metric tonnes by the fall of 2016. Companies using the Port have been awaiting these new additions, which will allow them to develop their operations and accommodate their clients' growth. The construction of this new multipurpose terminal is expected to generate more than 300 direct and indirect jobs, while the operation of the terminal will result in approximately 70 jobs.
Quick Facts
- The Port of Trois-Rivières, one of the largest in Quebec and Eastern Canada, handles approximately 55,000 trucks, 11,000 freight cars, and 240 ships per year from around 100 ports in over 40 countries on all continents. It handles nearly 4 million metric tonnes of traffic every year.
- The Government of Canada is committing up to 50 per cent of the total eligible costs to a maximum of $16.27 million from the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund. This funding is conditional on the project meeting applicable federal eligibility requirements and the signing of a contribution agreement.
- The Trois-Rivières Port Authority will be responsible for the balance of the project funding estimated at
$16.82 million. Additionally, the private sector is expected to contribute nearly $15 million for the purchase of new equipment at the terminal. - The $2.1 billion Gateways and Border Crossings Fund has been established to improve the flow of goods and people between Canada and the rest of the world and supports the Government of Canada's three Gateway initiatives (Asia-Pacific, Atlantic, and Continental Gateways).
Quotes
"Our government's support for public infrastructure has never been stronger. We are committed to investing in priority infrastructure projects that focus on creating jobs and promoting long-term prosperity across Canada. Enhancing the Port of Trois-Rivières' capacity and efficiency will encourage economic growth for businesses and residents in the region and greatly contribute to the global competitiveness of the nation as a whole."
The Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
"This investment will enable the Port to open a new multifunctional terminal, a project worth approximately $33.09 million, thanks to the transformation of Pier 13 and the addition of storage space. The terminal, strategically located at the heart of the Port's facilities, will increase economic activity for the country and for the region. The new facilities will be able to accommodate multiple projects and all types of cargo: solid and liquid bulk, general and oversized cargo, and semi-trailer transport in support of national and international trade."
Mr. Gaétan Boivin,
President and CEO of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA)
"By efficiently combining maritime and surface transportation and maximizing the capacity of current facilities with those that will be built, this terminal will support the development of regional businesses with respect to domestic or international transport operations for solid or liquid bulk or for general or oversized cargo. In fact, it is this flexibility that will ensure its sustainability."
Mr. Cléo Marchand
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA)
Associated Document
Backgrounder: Building a Multi-Purpose Terminal
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Backgrounder
Building a Multi-Purpose Terminal
Improving the Port of Trois-Rivières
Within the framework of the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, the Government of Canada will provide financial support to improve the transport infrastructure and to assist with other related initiatives in order to develop and exploit Canada's strategic gateways, trade corridors, and border crossings. To this end, the federal government will contribute up to $16.27 million to optimize the capacity and efficiency of the Port of Trois-Rivières. The project, worth $33.09 million, should be completed by 2018. Private investors are also planning to invest $15 million in the project.
About the Port of Trois-Rivières
The Port of Trois-Rivières is one of the largest ports in Quebec and Eastern Canada. In 2014, it handled 3.8 million metric tonnes of traffic, a new record. This was an increase of 37% compared to 2013. International trade accounts for 70% of the Port's traffic, compared to 30% for domestic trade.
As a significant agent for regional economic development serving major industrial sectors such as aluminium, forestry, and agri-food, the Port generates nearly 1,000 direct jobs and as many indirect and induced jobs. Since it implemented its strategic plan, On Course for 2020 in 2009, the Port's economic benefits have increased by 23%, reaching nearly 160 million.
The current project will enable the Port to complete Phase II of On Course for 2020, the construction of a multi-purpose terminal, which will increase the Port's productivity and efficiency, as well as its services.
Project Details
The project, which aims to increase available dock space, is focused essentially on Dock 13, which is located at the centre of the Port's facilities and has come to the end of its useful life. The strategic location of this new multi-purpose terminal will enable the Port to launch many new projects and to generate more economic activities for the country and for the region. It will be able to handle all types of traffic, such as solid and liquid bulk, general and oversized cargo, and semi-trailer transport within the context of domestic and international trade.
Preliminary Stages Completed
In 2014, the Port started implementing Phase II of its plan On Course for 2020 by building Warehouse 16 and carrying out specific work on the railway and site work for the construction of warehouses 24 and 25. This development was necessary in order to complete the focal point of Phase II, which is the construction of a multi-purpose terminal. The detail engineering, environmental studies, and compensatory measures in preparation for the construction of this terminal have already been completed.
Coming Work
The required work consists in reconstructing and expanding Dock 13, consolidating Dock 14, adding a Ro-Ro ramp, building two new warehouses (24 and 25), building storage spaces, and installing the necessary systems and services (including a storm drainage system with settling tanks and light towers).
Once completed, these modifications will have increased outside storage space at the docks by over 40%, and inside storage capacity (warehouses) for solid bulk will have increased by 65,000 metric tonnes.
The multi-purpose terminal will be able to handle semi-trailer transport, general cargo, bulk and oversized cargo. The terminal should be in service in the autumn of 2016, and all the work should be completed by the summer of 2018.
Estimated project costs
Estimated total project costs: $33,088,017
Maximum contribution from the Government of Canada:$16,272,120
Contribution from the Trois-Rivières Port Authority: $16,815,897
Additional investments planned by private investors for the purchase and installation of equipment: $15,000,000
SOURCE Transport Canada
Zach Segal, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055; François Jacob, Director of Communications, Port of Trois-Rivières, 819-668-7316
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