Trois-Rivières, October 10, 2018 – The Trois-Rivières Port Authority unveiled its On Course for 2030 development plan today, in front of nearly 200 guests from the local and national business, community, cultural, political and maritime communities. This plan is bringing about major changes for the Port, its users, the Trois-Rivières community and the region.

In addition to continuing investments in port infrastructure, the On Course for 2030 plan aims to fully deploy the potential of the Port’s urban character. Its facilities are literally surrounded by the City. Far from being an obstacle to development, this situation, when fully assumed and integrated into the planning process, makes it possible to see and seize opportunities that would otherwise go unnoticed. Based on the principles of sustainable development, On Course for 2030 will focus on the vision: “To be an innovative urban port, generating growth, at the heart of a competitive supply chain”.

 

Improving the competitiveness of the supply chain

The competitive position of the Port of Trois-Rivières is based not only on the quality of its infrastructure, the productivity of its handling activities and its environmental record, but also to a large extent on the competitiveness of the supply chain in which it operates. To support their growth, the Port and its partners will have to play an active role in improving the competitiveness of the elements that make up the chain, particularly maritime, rail and road transport services. On Course for 2030 includes several measures to achieve this objective and thus make the port more competitive and the region even more attractive to investors.

Business growth

Initiatives to consolidate the supply chain will allow Trois-Rivières to better position itself on the international scene since this is where the growth opportunities for the Port and the region lie. Development opportunities, when they arise, must be seized quickly. The Port is therefore preparing for this and plans to build new storage spaces, as well as new wharves west of its facilities. These projects will add approximately 175,000 m2 to the port’s terminals.

In addition, thanks to a partnership between the City, IDÉ-Trois-Rivières and the Port, the efforts invested in collaboration with the Government of Quebec for the development of the Industrial-Port Zone (IP-Zone) will continue. This area encompasses both the port and surrounding properties, including industrial parks, and is used to attract companies that need a nearby port or others that want to process goods that are already using the port.

Total investment for the maintenance and upkeep of existing infrastructure, as well as in new terminals and wharves, is estimated at $ 125 million.

Creation of two Funds

In order to support innovation and the deployment of environmental projects, the Port is creating two funds whose investment will amount to $ 2.5 million over five years. Accessible to the Port’s users and clients, the Innovation Fund will support the implementation of innovative solutions to increase the Port’s competitiveness and the Environment Fund will be used to complete the financial package of projects aimed at improving its environmental performance. By combining the efforts of the Port, users and partners, it will be possible to multiply the investments made, which should total $ 10 million.

When combined, the amounts planned for the maintenance of infrastructure and equipment, for the Environment and Innovation Funds, as well as those for the construction of new terminals and wharves, investments are estimated at $ 135 million.

Development of the riparian zone

Like many ports around the world, the Port is seeking to reallocate some of its facilities for recreational, residential and commercial tourism, and is therefore currently working with Transport Canada to obtain this authority. This would allow it to develop, in collaboration with the City and institutional and private partners, its properties near the Port Park, in harmony with the surrounding environment. Investments estimated at between $ 90 million and $ 120 million, mostly from the private sector, could result from such projects.

The cruise market is also the subject of a concerted effort with IDÉ Trois-Rivières to stimulate international tourism and therefore, the benefits for the community. The growth forecasts in this sector are interesting. The Port and IDÉ Trois-Rivières therefore intend to double the number of passengers who will choose Trois-Rivières as their stopover.

For 136 years, the Port of Trois-Rivières has been an integral part of the life of the people of Trois-Rivières and has helped to promote the region. With its On Course for 2030 plan, it intends to continue on this path by working closely with its partners to advance our community and our businesses.

About the Port of Trois-Rivières

As one of 18 Canada Port Authorities, and active since 1882, the Port of Trois Rivières offers a wide range of facilities and services to the marine industry at all seasons. It is an important player in economic development at the regional, national and international levels for major industrial sectors such as aluminium, forestry and agri-food. The Port of Trois-Rivières welcomes 55,000 trucks, 11,000 railcars and more than 200 merchant and cruise ships annually from some 100 ports in more than 40 countries around the world. It handles more than 3 million metric tons of traffic and generates nearly 1000 direct jobs.

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Source: Sara Dubé

Director of Public Affairs

819 378-2887, ext. 207

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