Canada Gov't invests in transportation infrastructure at the Port of Johnstown to move goods to market

The quality of Canada’s transportation infrastructure and the efficiency of the country’s trade corridors are key to the success of Canadian companies in the global marketplace. The Government of Canada invests in infrastructure projects that create quality, middle-class jobs and support economic growth, Transport Canada said in its news release.

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced a major investment of $4.8 million for a project that will increase efficiency at the Port of Johnstown and move Canadian goods to international markets.

To improve productivity at the port, which is located on the west bank of the St. Lawrence Seaway, nine ageing grain loading spouts will be replaced with four more efficient and modern spouts so that larger vessels can be loaded more quickly. A new grain bin will be added to increase the port’s storage capacity. This renewal and expansion work will ensure the Port of Johnstown can grow as a strategically located major export gateway for Eastern Canada’s agricultural producers.

These investments are expected to have important economic and employment benefits for the region by creating an estimated 100 jobs in the region during construction.

The Government of Canada is supporting infrastructure projects that contribute most to Canada’s success in international trade. Trade diversification is a key component of the National Trade Corridors Fund, 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 Honourable Marc Garneau Minister of Transport says: “Our government is investing in Canada’s economy by making improvements to our trade and transportation corridors. 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.”

Francis Drouin Member of Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell added: “I know this was an important project for Eastern Ontario and I am pleased that it is going ahead. I am pleased that this important project is going ahead. The Port of Johnstown is a strategic economic gateway and ensuring that we address transportation bottlenecks and develop strategies to minimize congestion is vital to fostering long-term prosperity in our community”.