The Government of Canada announced an investment of $4.8 million for a project that will increase efficiency at the Port of Johnstown and move Canadian goods to international markets.
The port, located on the west bank of the St. Lawrence Seaway, will have nine ageing grain loading spouts with four more efficient and modern spouts so that larger vessels can be loaded more quickly. In the meantime, a new grain bin will be placed to increase the port’s storage capacity.
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, commented
We are supporting projects to efficiently move goods to market and people to their destinations, stimulate economic growth, create quality middle-class jobs, and ensure that Canada’s transportation networks remain competitive and efficient.
This expansion project will boost the Port of Johnstown strategically, given its location as a major port export gateway for Eastern Canada’s agricultural producers. The project is expected to have important economic benefits and boost employment in the region, as it is planned to provide 100 jobs during the construction.
Also, the Canadian Government is supporting infrastructure projects, boosting trade diversification, through projects that improve the fluidity and performance of the transportation system to increase the value and volume of goods exported from Canada to overseas markets and generate new overseas trade as a result of the investment.
The Government of Canada pays close attention in the shipping industry, as recently it funded six new program icebreakers to replace its current, old fleet ones, to improve safety in its waters.