No. H101/10
For release - September 8, 2010
PORT STANLEY, ONTARIO — Today, the transfer of ownership of the Port Stanley Port Facility from the Government of Canada to the Municipality of Central Elgin, as part of Transport Canada’s Port Divestiture Program, was officially announced by Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
“This transfer arrangement will put control of the port directly into the hands of the municipality, to benefit the community and contribute to the local economy of Port Stanley for generations to come,” said Minister Strahl.
“I am pleased that the Municipality of Central Elgin will be able to reclaim the waterfront,” said MP Preston. “It is an important part of our community’s assets and I look forward to its future development.”
The port facility represents approximately 64.5 hectares, 52.8 of which are part of the harbour bed. The property also features two breakwaters, two piers and a building. In addition, the transfer agreement includes a contribution of $13.6 million from the Government of Canada to be used exclusively to cover operational costs and maintain the port’s infrastructure.
“Today, Central Elgin is truly the master of its own destiny. As the new owner and operator of the Port Stanley Harbour, we can make and encourage new investments that strengthen our economy while enhancing the vision for our community,” said Tom Marks, Mayor of the Municipality of Central Elgin. “Port Stanley has a storied past. With the guidance of local hands and local hearts, we will build a great new story for our future.”
The Port Divestiture Program, which falls under the National Marine Policy, was established to transfer regional or local port sites to other interests. The program was introduced in 1996 and is currently scheduled to end March 31, 2012.
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