The Essex Terminal Railway Company is expanding its cargo terminal at the Port of Windsor thanks to a $12.5 million investment from the federal government.
The expansion is expected to make moving steel and aluminium products easier and attract potential new exports.
"This significant federal investment grows jobs and solidifies Port Windsor's position as a key trade hub at the centre of North American supply chains and electric vehicle and battery manufacturing. This is another critical piece that unlocks our region's prosperity," said MP Irek Kusmierczyk.
The funds will be used to build a new warehouse and a berth for cargo ships.
"That will provide us additional capacity on the water, and that will basically allow us to discharge two ships at once. It will provide compatibility with our existing berth, and it will allow us to look at different types of businesses and different commodities to handle," said Tony De Thomasis, president and CEO of Essex Terminal Railway and Morterm Limited.
Construction should start in 2024. Once complete, the expansion will support an additional 20-40 jobs.
"This brings new assets that are equipped to handle new types of commodities. It basically leverages all our other assets, including rail, the trucking connections we have, and our strategic location to the US border," said De Thomasis.
Steve Salmons with the Windsor Port Authority says it will provide new options and a higher level of competitiveness for industries in the region.
"This is transformational for our region. Short-sea container shipping on the Great Lakes, and soon to be at Port Windsor, will relieve congestion in the supply chain, reduce [greenhouse gases], and increase access to world markets for industry in Windsor and Essex County," said Steve Salmons, president, and CEO of the Windsor Port Authority.
