Feds sinking $5.2 million into expansion of St. Catharines’ cargo docks

The Federal Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, landed on the Port Weller Docks in St. Catharines this morning and he didn’t come empty-handed.

Flanked by St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle and Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey, Alghabra announced the federal government was sinking another $5.2 million in the second phase of the Port Weller Dry Docks Cargo Terminal Project.

This project will improve the areas of the port that are being used for the handling of cargo. It will also develop around 11 acres of land that is available, but not being used, from the dockside to the cement trans-loading facility, as well as around the cargo laydown and handling area.

As demand for cement continues to rise, and there is less land for port development, this project will increase capacity in the Niagara ports network. It will also improve transportation connections between Niagara ports, making it easier and more efficient to deliver goods to different markets.

“The dry docks cargo terminal project will increase capacity, improve connectivity, and reduce costs for end-users, especially those impacted by the shortage of domestic supply in Ontario,” said Alghabra.

“This investment into the Port Weller Dry Docks Terminal Project reaffirms our government’s commitment to working alongside the marine shipping industry to strengthen our supply chain and increase efficiency,” added Bittle.

Badawey noted the investment will spur the growth of the supply chains along the Niagara Ports Trade Corridor.

“The investment strengthens Niagara’s international trade performance, in turn, contributing to both Niagara’s and the nation’s economy.”

Last November, Heddle Shipyards’ in Port Weller was given $135 million in federal grants towards improvements for the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Terry Fox, a project that’s still ongoing for another two-plus years.