THUNDER BAY, Ontario — The Canadian government will provide up to C$6.7 million for two projects to increase capacity at the Port of Thunder Bay, according to a Friday announcement.
Up to C$3 million will go to a project to redevelop an existing rail yard at the Port’s Keefer Terminal, adding heavyweight track and switches to increase cargo handling capabilities, providing opportunities to attract new markets and improve supply-chain fluidity.
Another C$3.7 will address capacity with four actions: upgrading the wharf at Keefer Terminal; expanding the terminal’s cargo laydown area; developing the electrical infrastructure for the new laydown area; and improving the rail infrastructure between the terminal and its rail yard.
Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River, said in a press release that the port handles items ranging from components for tar sands and mining, to wind turbines, to fertilizers. “Given the importance of the terminal to our country’s economy,” he said, “this funding is welcome news not just for Northwestern Ontario, but also for the Prairies and our entire country.”
Money for the projects will come from the National Trade Corridors Fund, which has more than $4.1 billion available for transportation infrastructure.
The port is served by Canadian National and CPKC.
