Quebec supply chain gets funding boost for seven projects

Seven projects in Quebec are receiving nearly $38 million in funding through the federal government’s National Trade Corridors Fund, to help improve the movement of goods through the Canadian supply chain.

The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) will receive $12.5 million to increase the Canest Terminal’s capacity by 20 per cent and help improve its efficiency in handling goods. Additionally, the terminal will expand and optimize its operational space, increasing container storage capacity. The upgrades are intended to help Canadian producers expand exports to international markets by easing constraints and eliminating a major bottleneck in the supply chain.

The Montreal Port Authority said over the past 10 years, this sector has grown by 78 per cent at the Port of Montreal, making it one of the most prolific.

“I would like to thank Transport Canada for its contribution to this important project, which will enable us to increase the capacity and efficiency of containerized grain handling, so as to better serve local producers and enable them to increase their exports to high-value-added niche markets via the Port of Montreal, to the benefit of companies, the supply chain and the Canadian and Quebec economy,” said Julie Gascon, president and CEO of MPA.

QSL International Ltée will receive more than $13.6 million for the development of port terminals in the cities of Sorel-Tracy and Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel.

The project aims to increase the fluidity of supply chains in the steel and agriculture sectors. By increasing the annual volume of import-export goods, it will support the local and regional economy while reducing the number of days ships spend waiting offshore and the time required for unloading. Additionally, the initiative will help mitigate environmental impacts by minimizing vessel diversions to other ports and decreasing the reliance on short-haul trucking.

Nearly $1.2 million will go to the Quebec Port Authority to increase the terminal storage space at Pier 103 to reduce interruptions between storage areas, making operations more efficient. Warehouse 103 will serve as a backup storage area to help manage congestion in the logistics chain during busy times. Additionally, the project will help consolidate more goods at QSL terminals, especially in the agri-food, transportation, and construction industries.

The Quebec Port Authority will also receive over $1.6 million to relocate strategic and essential infrastructure for the electrical supply of the L’Anse au Foulon sector (Pier 104 and 105).

This expansion aims to boost the terminal’s overall storage capacity by about 15 per cent, allowing it to handle new traffic while securing existing operations. Additionally, it will reduce waiting times for ships unloading cargo at the terminal.

More than $723,000 will be used by the Quebec Port Authority to increase the capacity and efficiency of the estuary rail yard. And $6.8 million will be allocated for the development of a new dry bulk and cargo terminal behind pier 108 in the Anse au Foulon sector. The project will aim to enhance intermodal connectivity through the construction of a new terminal that supports ship-to-truck and truck-to-ship logistics. It will also streamline operations by adding two new access roads to improve terminal and area accessibility. Additionally, the project will free up capacity at other deep-draft terminals, optimizing their use for handling and storage.

Lastly, the Saguenay Port Authority will receive over $1.2 million for a new storage area in the southwest sector of the terminal. The project will try to enhance trade flow by providing additional storage space in the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes maritime system, reducing long-distance transport needs. It will also support the logistics chain for bulk raw materials and promote short-distance maritime transport.