Ontario Investing More Than $2.8 Million to Build and Upgrade Port Facilities on Lake Superior

Press Release

June 16, 2026

Investments will strengthen Canada’s east-west trade corridors, support domestic supply chains and create jobs in northwestern Ontario

THUNDER BAY — As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, Ontario is investing $2,804,955 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in strategic infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Thunder Bay and the Peninsula Harbour Port Authority in Marathon. Both terminals are key gateways in northwestern Ontario for expanding east-west trade in Canada, strengthening domestic supply chains and creating good-paying jobs in the North, while reducing reliance on U.S. customers.

“By expanding the Port of Thunder Bay and creating a new marine terminal in Marathon, we’re helping Northern Ontario ports increase cargo volumes to ship everything from grain and potash to components for pipelines and critical minerals from the Ring of Fire,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government will continue to invest in Northern Ontario’s vital infrastructure to support local industries, businesses and workers, while driving economic growth across the region.”

The Thunder Bay Port Authority (TBPA) is receiving $804,955 in NOHFC funding to expand its staging and storage area at Keefer Terminal by 10 acres, increasing its capacity for goods such as wind turbine parts, steel and oversized cargo. The expansion will allow the TBPA to increase cargo volumes and retain existing business, while reinforcing Thunder Bay’s role as a resilient and competitive gateway for interprovincial and international trade.

With over 10.7 million metric tonnes of cargo, including grain, potash and natural resources, moving through its facilities in 2025, and the vast majority shipping domestically or to international markets other than the U.S., the Port of Thunder Bay is one of Canada’s critical inland ports and a gateway to western Canada and Europe. Strategically located at the western end of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System and connected to marine, rail and road networks, it is a key part of the region’s industrial supply chain serving key sectors such as mining, manufacturing and forestry.

In addition, the Peninsula Harbour Port Authority (PHPA) is receiving $2 million in NOHFC funding to repurpose unused commercial docks in Marathon at the site of the former Marathon Pulp mill to create a marine terminal for shipping regional materials such as critical minerals, forest products, road salts and components for pipelines and wind turbines, to southern Ontario and customers across the globe. The PHPA was incorporated in November 2020 through an equal partnership between the Town of Marathon and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation and is expected to be operational by late 2027, supporting local business growth and good-paying jobs.

“Our government is supporting access to cost-efficient marine transportation for resource and industrial operations located in northwestern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “We are helping these ports be better positioned to attract new cargo and expand existing business, reinforcing northwestern Ontario’s role as a competitive gateway for provincial, interprovincial and international trade.”

The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of Northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s investment of an additional $30 million over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in over 8,600 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,400 jobs.

Quotes

“This investment strengthens northwestern Ontario’s position as a key gateway for trade and economic growth across Canada and beyond. By expanding and modernizing our port facilities in Thunder Bay and Marathon, we are supporting good-paying jobs, improving supply chain resilience and ensuring our region can compete and grow in a changing global economy. Both ports are important assets due to their locations, connecting western Canada to global markets.”

– Kevin Holland
MPP, Thunder Bay—Atikokan

“The marine transportation sector is a key driver of Ontario’s economy, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to our GDP each year and playing a vital role in keeping goods moving across the province and country. Our strategic investments in marine infrastructure will strengthen our supply chains, support good-paying jobs for workers in Northern Ontario while attracting new investments and driving growth across the region.”

– Prabmeet Sarkaria
Minister of Transportation

“Thunder Bay’s story has always been tied to the movement of goods and people across this country. This investment strengthens that legacy by enhancing trade and transportation connections at our port. These are key priorities identified in our Smart Growth Action Plan, as we work to grow our economy, attract investment and support business throughout northwestern Ontario.”

– Ken Boshcoff
Mayor of Thunder Bay

“Today’s investment by Ontario is significant for Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, in partnership with the Township of Marathon, towards the development of the Port Authority. This project will allow our First Nation to continue to diversify our economic portfolio and create additional opportunities for partnerships within the region, the province and internationally.”

– Chief Duncan Michano
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg

“The Town of Marathon has been working toward the reactivation of the Port of Marathon with a vision of unlocking the economic potential of northwestern Ontario. As the closest international port to the Ring of Fire, the port is positioned to support mining, forestry, renewable energy and other resource industries throughout the region. Upgrading the marine terminal to the St. Lawrence Seaway standards will create new opportunities to move Northern Ontario resources to global markets while bringing a former derelict brownfield pulp mill site back into productive use for the benefit of both Marathon and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg. With these investments in the Port of Marathon, we are supporting the creation of long-term employment opportunities and economic sustainability for our communities.”

– Rick Dumas
Mayor, Town of Marathon, and President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association

“The Port of Thunder Bay is grateful for the province of Ontario’s support through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, which supports expansion and efficiency improvements at Keefer Terminal. Strategically located as the furthest inland port in Canada, this premier intermodal facility is a vital supply chain link serving western Canada and Northern Ontario. Expanding laydown capacity will enhance our ability to handle increased and more diversified cargo, supporting inbound opportunities and improving vessel availability for bulk exports.”

– Chris Heikkinen
CEO, Port of Thunder Bay

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
• Read The Future of the Great Lakes Economy: Ontario’s Marine Transportation Strategy, our plan to strengthen Ontario’s position as a leader in marine transportation.

Media Contacts

Hannah Jensen
Premier’s Office
Hannah.Jensen2@ontario.ca

Sam McCormick
Minister Pirie’s Office
Sam.McCormick@ontario.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
mediadesk.MNEDG@ontario.ca

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