The Government of Canada has announced an investment of more than $230,000 to support the development of a public access port in Sault Ste. Marie.

The City of Sault Ste. Marie is receiving the funding from the FedNor program to complete technical assessments as well as a comprehensive port development plan necessary to facilitate the redevelopment and expansion of a public access marine port.

The project will enhance existing port infrastructure to accommodate the rising demand for inbound and outbound goods and resource-based commodities among key industrial users in the Sault Ste. Marie regional area.

“This project has the potential not only to create new economic opportunities for Sault Ste. Marie, but also to strengthen the local economy’s resilience,” said Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan. “Last year, Transport Canada invested $405,300 in this very initiative, and this support builds on that progress.”

Development of a public access port will help expand economic opportunities for the region by enhancing transportation capacity and infrastructure for regional critical minerals, biofuels, forest bioproducts, advanced manufacturing, and other potential economic development opportunities.

Additionally, efforts will be made to build capacity among Canadian vessel operators, develop a governance model for port operations, and create a comprehensive port development plan to ensure the project's long-term success.

“As the federal government undertakes major nation-building projects, the timing for the Port of Algoma’s development could not be better,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker. “The project represents the opportunity for an important step toward a stronger and more diverse local economy, and we’re grateful for the support of FedNor.”