Transport Canada Transfers Sarnia Port Facility to the City of Sarnia - Includes investment of over $8.5 million to support operational costs and maintain facilities

SARNIA, ON, March 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, the Government of Canada officially announced the transfer of the Sarnia Port Facility to the City of Sarnia. The transfer agreement includes a contribution of over $8.5 million from the Government of Canada to cover operational costs and maintain the Port's infrastructure.

The transferred port consists of two parts located in the northerly harbour and the southerly harbour. The northerly harbour portion is comprised of the Government Wharf which includes warehousing buildings, the East Dock Face, and the North Slip. The southerly harbour portion is comprised primarily of water lots distributed intermittently along portions of the length of the developed Sarnia waterfront.

Quick Facts

• Canada's ports are an integral part of the national transportation system and play an important role in Canada's international trade.
• The Sarnia Port Facility is an important port within the Great Lakes and the Province of Ontario. It carries out activities including ship repair and maintenance, and winter berthage of vessels.
• The Government of Canada's Port Divestiture Program opens up new commercial possibilities that allow ports to reach their full potential and maximize their contribution to economic growth, jobs, and investments in local communities.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing the lives and livelihood of Canadians, and strengthening the economies of local communities. This transfer arrangement will put control of the port directly into the hands of the City to benefit the community and contribute to Sarnia's local economy for years to come."

Patricia Davidson,
Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton

"Today, Sarnia has acquired a waterfront asset that will support private industry and serve the greater public good.  As the new owner and operator of the Sarnia Port Facility, we have acquired a major infrastructure asset that will contribute to the economic growth of our City."

Mike Bradley,
Mayor of the City of Sarnia

SOURCE: Transport Canada

Ashley Kelahear
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

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