Government of Canada catalyzing the construction of the Port of Marathon
News release
$2,000,000 FedNor investment will support the construction needed to return the Port of Marathon to an operational marine terminal
May 19, 2026 – Thunder Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Changes in the global trading system are causing massive disruptions and uncertainty for Canadians. Canada’s new government is on a mission to enable $1 trillion in investments over the next five years so we can give ourselves more than any foreign government can take away. Central to that plan is building new local infrastructure and stronger communities.
To that end, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced a $2,000,000 investment to help strengthen and restore the Port of Marathon.
Construction will enable the Peninsula Harbour Port Authority to convert a former industrial facility to a functional port. Today’s investment will also support the design, engineering, and project management of the revitalization, as well as capital construction costs including dredging to enable a functional deep-water port. Additional capital costs will include dock rehabilitation, electrical upgrades, and other infrastructure construction including improvements to on-site roads as well as the port yard.
The Port’s revitalization is expected to create over 200 jobs throughout construction, and over 20 permanent jobs after the project is completed. Once operational, the port will be the only facility of its kind between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay, connecting Marathon, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, and the North shore region to the world. It will also serve as a fully operational marina to local businesses, residents, and surrounding communities, with the ability to host lake freighters and other international vessels.
Projects like the Port of Marathon demonstrate Canada’s ambition to build at the speed and scale this moment demands by investing in the infrastructure, industries, and workers that drive growth, boost productivity, and build Canada strong.
Quotes
“Major infrastructure projects like the Port of Marathon play a key role in strengthening local economies, connecting communities, and creating opportunities for Northern Ontarians. Today’s announcement supports local businesses and natural resource development, while delivering lasting economic benefits. It is about building a stronger, more resilient Canada, now and for the future.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North
“Biigtigong Nishnaabeg is proud to be a partner in the development of the Port of Marathon. This project will promote the development of self-sufficiency for our community, and for many other communities in the region. We thank FedNor for supporting the Peninsula Harbour Port Authority, and we look forward to the benefits the port will bring.”
- Duncan Michano, Chief, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg
“The Town of Marathon has been working toward the reactivation of the Port of Marathon with a vision of unlocking the economic potential of Northwestern Ontario. As the closest international port to the Ring of Fire, the port is positioned to support mining, forestry, renewable energy and other resource industries throughout the region. Upgrading the marine terminal to St. Lawrence Seaway standards will create new opportunities to move Northern Ontario resources to global markets while bringing a former brownfield pulp mill site back into productive use for the benefit of both Marathon and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg. With these investments into the Port of Marathon, we are supporting the creation of long-term employment opportunities for our communities.”
- Rick Dumas, Mayor, Town of Marathon
Quick facts
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The Peninsula Harbour Port Authority is a jointly owned corporation between the Town of Marathon and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg created with a vision of developing a domestic and international marine terminal to serve the entire region.
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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