Montreal port unveils five-year infrastructure investment plan

The Port of Montreal announced it has budgeted more than CA$335 million for a new five-year investment plan that targets infrastructure improvements.

Now that the port is approaching full container-handling capacity, it needs to invest heavily in infrastructure on Montreal Island, Montreal Port Authority (MPA) officials said in a press release.

A key project incorporated into the plan calls for optimizing rail capacity by adding more than 5 miles of track to improve rail traffic fluidity and storage. The port operates its own rail network, which interchanges with Canadian Pacific and CN.

Other projects involve optimizing substations so the port can better meet the growing demand for electrical energy and modernizing the wharf to more safely accommodate vessels.

Through the plan, the port aims to sustainably develop and maintain infrastructure to accommodate trade growth; strengthen, optimize and streamline the greater Montreal supply chain; accelerate the decarbonization of port activities; and improve the city-port interface.

"We want to invest in the future of the supply chain from the east end of Montreal for its sustainability, efficiency and harmonious integration into the urban fabric. Our biggest challenge will be decarbonizing our economy and the supply chain,” said MPA President and CEO Martin Imbleau.

The port also continues to work with a private partner and various governments on a port expansion project in Contrecœur to ensure sufficient infrastructure for importers and exporters throughout Quebec.