The City of Sault Ste. Marie is encouraging residents, businesses, community organizations, and industry partners to help advance the proposed Port of Sault Ste. Marie project. A sample letter and more information about the Port of Sault Ste. Marie is available at www.saultstemarie.ca/port.
Developed in partnership with HOPA Ports, the Port of Sault Ste. Marie would establish a new trade corridor connecting Northern Ontario with Southern Ontario, Quebec, and international markets through an integrated marine, rail, and highway transportation network. The project would build upon existing industrial infrastructure and position Sault Ste. Marie as a strategic hub for Canadian trade and supply chain development.
The approximately $250 million first phase of the project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for the region. The Port’s business plan estimates that, once established, the project could facilitate approximately 2,150 jobs, including more than 700 direct positions and 1,500 indirect jobs, while generating an estimated $134 million in annual personal income and $343 million in annual economic activity.
“The Port of Sault Ste. Marie has the potential to create jobs, strengthen Canadian supply chains, and support efforts to build a more resilient and diversified Canadian economy,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker. “By better connecting Northern Ontario’s resource industries with southern Ontario’s businesses and consumer markets, the Port can create new economic opportunities both locally and across the province. I encourage community members to send a letter of support to help make the Port a reality.”
The City of Sault Ste. Marie has already demonstrated its commitment to the project by approving up to $15 million toward its development, contingent upon the remaining funding being secured from provincial and federal partners. Continued support from senior levels of government will be required to move the project forward.
“As Canada works to diversify trade relationships, strengthen economic independence, and reduce vulnerability to international trade disruptions, the Port of Sault Ste. Marie would provide a critical transportation link connecting Northern Ontario’s natural resources and industrial sectors with markets across Canada and beyond,” said Brent Lamming, Deputy CAO, Community Development and Enterprise Services. “We’re calling on our community to show their support for this important project.”
Residents are encouraged to write to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Premier Doug Ford, and the Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon to express their support for investment in the Port of Sault Ste. Marie. While a template letter is available, personalized messages that share individual perspectives on the importance of economic diversification, job creation, and infrastructure investment can be particularly impactful.