Government of Canada investing over $200,000 in Sault Ste. Marie deep water port development
News release
FedNor funds will help support new economic development opportunities in the region through the public access marine port project
December 18, 2025 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, today announced a FedNor investment of $233,100 to support the development of a public access port in Sault Ste. Marie. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is receiving FedNor funds to complete technical assessments as well as a comprehensive port development plan necessary to facilitate the redevelopment and expansion of a public access marine port. The project will strategically enhance existing port infrastructure to accommodate the rising demand for inbound and outbound goods and resource-based commodities among key industrial users in the Sault Ste. Marie regional area.
Development of a public access port will help expand economic opportunities for the region by enhancing transportation capacity and infrastructure for regional critical minerals, biofuels, forest bioproducts, advanced manufacturing, and other potential economic development opportunities. Additionally, efforts will be made to build capacity among Canadian vessel operators, develop a governance model for port operations, and create a comprehensive port development plan to ensure the project's long-term success.
By modernizing infrastructure and providing public access, the initiative will help diversify the regional economy, strengthen supply chains, and position Sault Ste. Marie as a key hub for sustainable development in Northern Ontario.
Quotes
“Canada’s economic strength relies on modern, reliable infrastructure. That’s why we’re investing in projects like the Sault Ste. Marie deep-water port development, meeting immediate transportation needs while building the systems that move Canadian goods across the country. These investments protect our supply chains, and build a resilient, self-sufficient economy with lasting opportunities for Canadians.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
“This project has the potential not only to create new economic opportunities for Sault Ste. Marie, but also to strengthen the local economy’s resilience. Last year, Transport Canada invested $405,300 in this very initiative, and today’s support builds on that progress. A diverse economy is essential for supporting communities, enabling them to adapt and thrive as circumstances and demands change. The people of Sault Ste. Marie are hard-working, and projects like this will help provide them with more ways to contribute to and grow the community we all care about.”
- Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie
“As the federal government undertakes major nation-building projects, the timing for the Port of Algoma’s development could not be better. The project represents the opportunity for an important step toward a stronger and more diverse local economy, and we’re grateful for the support of FedNor.”
- Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor, City of Sault Ste. Marie
Quick facts
-
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is situated on the original meeting grounds of the Batchewana and Anishinabek peoples in the heart of the Great Lakes.
-
The funding announced today was provided through Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), through which FedNor invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.
Associated links
Contacts
Jennifer Kozelj
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@labour-travail.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations