Improving the Port of Trois-Rivières
Within the framework of the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, the Government of Canada will provide financial support to improve the transport infrastructure and to assist with other related initiatives in order to develop and exploit Canada's strategic gateways, trade corridors, and border crossings. To this end, the federal government will contribute up to $16.27 million to optimize the capacity and efficiency of the Port of Trois-Rivières. The project, worth $33.09 million, should be completed by 2018. Private investors are also planning to invest $15 million in the project.
About the Port of Trois-Rivières
The Port of Trois-Rivières is one of the largest ports in Quebec and Eastern Canada. In 2014, it handled 3.8 million metric tonnes of traffic, a new record. This was an increase of 37% compared to 2013. International trade accounts for 70% of the Port’s traffic, compared to 30% for domestic trade.
As a significant agent for regional economic development serving major industrial sectors such as aluminium, forestry, and agri-food, the Port generates nearly 1,000 direct jobs and as many indirect and induced jobs. Since it implemented its strategic plan, On Course for 2020 in 2009, the Port's economic benefits have increased by 23%, reaching nearly 160 million.
The current project will enable the Port to complete Phase II of On Course for 2020, the construction of a multi-purpose terminal, which will increase the Port's productivity and efficiency, as well as its services.
Project Details
The project, which aims to increase available dock space, is focused essentially on Dock 13, which is located at the centre of the Port's facilities and has come to the end of its useful life. The strategic location of this new multi-purpose terminal will enable the Port to launch many new projects and to generate more economic activities for the country and for the region. It will be able to handle all types of traffic, such as solid and liquid bulk, general and oversized cargo, and semi-trailer transport within the context of domestic and international trade.
Preliminary Stages Completed
In 2014, the Port started implementing Phase II of its plan On Course for 2020 by building Warehouse 16 and carrying out specific work on the railway and site work for the construction of warehouses 24 and 25. This development was necessary in order to complete the focal point of Phase II, which is the construction of a multi-purpose terminal. The detail engineering, environmental studies, and compensatory measures in preparation for the construction of this terminal have already been completed.
Coming Work
The required work consists in reconstructing and expanding Dock 13, consolidating Dock 14, adding a Ro-Ro ramp, building two new warehouses (24 and 25), building storage spaces, and installing the necessary systems and services (including a storm drainage system with settling tanks and light towers).
Once completed, these modifications will have increased outside storage space at the docks by over 40%, and inside storage capacity (warehouses) for solid bulk will have increased by 65,000 metric tonnes.
The multi-purpose terminal will be able to handle semi-trailer transport, general cargo, bulk and oversized cargo. The terminal should be in service in the autumn of 2016, and all the work should be completed by the summer of 2018.
Estimated project costs
Estimated total project costs: $33,088,017
Maximum contribution from the Government of Canada:$16,272,120
Contribution from the Trois-Rivières Port Authority: $16,815,897
Additional investments planned by private investors for the purchase and installation of equipment: $15,000,000
