Key Information
Do you have questions about the Port of Montréal’s expansion project in Contrecoeur? We answer them here!
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Why do we want to make the Port of Montreal larger?
Published onBecause as it is, the port is about to reach its capacity limit. Global trade keeps growing, and Canada needs to be ready to handle more goods in the coming years. The Contrecœur project will help Canadian businesses export to markets other than the...
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Is the project still needed now that traffic recently started to slow down?
Published onYes. It’s normal for volumes to go up and down from year to year. But in the long term, global trade is on the rise. This project is setting the future of Canadian transportation and trade.
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How will this project help local businesses?
Published onThe Contrecœur Terminal makes Canada less dependent on U.S. ports. It will boost the use of Canadian steel and provide access to over a billion consumers through free trade agreements. If just 6% of Canadian exports went somewhere other than the United...
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When will the project works start?
Published onHere is the planned schedule: Fall 2025: start of prep work and design with DP World 2026: dock construction (in-water works) 2027: start of land-based works 2030: commissioning of the new terminal Learn more on our project update page
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How will local citizens and businesses benefit from the project?
Published onThe project will generate about $290 million in wages and $900 million in economic activity per year while work is underway. During construction, some 3,800 jobs will be supported annually. Once the terminal is operational, it will support more than...
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Who is building the new terminal?
Published onThe CTCGP consortium (Contrecœur Terminal Constructors Grand Project), comprised of Aecon and Quebec-based Pomerleau construction company, will carry out the in-water works, including dock construction. The consortium is working closely with the Port...
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Who will run the terminal when it is completed?
Published onDP World, an international company that manages over 60 ports around the world, will build the land-based facilities and operate the terminal for 40 years. The future Contrecœur Terminal will be DP World’s sixth port facility in Canada, joining those...
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Will the number of ships on the river increase?
Published onNot much. Even at full capacity, Contrecœur will accommodate 1 to 3 vessels a week, or about 150 a year. This is very few, given that 4,200 vessels already navigate the St. Lawrence River every year.
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What environmental regulations must you comply with?
Published onThe project was approved in 2021 by the Government of Canada, subject to 387 conditions. They cover: Protection of wildlife and natural environments Environmental monitoring Communicating with the public, and Ongoing consultation with First Nations...
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Have you obtained the necessary permit to start the project works?
Published onThe Port is waiting for the permit from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to start the in-water works. DFO has indicated that the documentation provided by the APM is complete. All the required steps have been successfully completed. DFO is now...
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What are you doing to protect the copper redhorse?
Published onThe Port received a permit from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to implement a major ecological project near Île aux Bœufs to: Create a dike and breakwater Add aquatic plants to feed fish Develop more seagrass beds than those affected,...
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What is the Port doing to make up for the loss of trees and natural habitats?
Published onThe Port has been working with the authorities for two years on a solid compensation plan that involves: Creating new wetlands south of Route 132 Planting 40,000 trees and shrubs Reducing the number of trees to be cut down (from 20,000 to 13,000), and...
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I live in Contrecœur. What is the Port doing to keep us properly informed and communicate with us?
Published onThe Port wants to maintain a good communication with residents. It briefs the public before each phase of work, organizes public meetings, answers questions, and has created a cohabitation committee. Need to contact us? Write to us at...
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Will there be more trucks?
Published onDuring construction, the number of trucks will vary depending on the phase of work. Long-term, approximately 1,200 trucks are expected on a daily basis, but mostly on main roads, not in residential neighbourhoods.
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Will there be more trains?
Published onYes, but in a controlled way. The terminal will run 1 to 3 trains per day, or 2 to 6 daily trips. This will help reduce the number of trucks and the volume of greenhouse gas emissions.
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I live near the project site. What are you doing to manage the noise and dust?
Published onThe Port of Montreal will monitor noise, vibrations and dust levels related to building the new terminal. Its management approach calls for various measures, chiefly: Install permanent monitoring stations in different locations Take readings at...
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I’m worried about rising crime in the area. How will security be provided on the site?
Published onThe terminal will be a closed area under 24-hour surveillance. Access will only be possible by biometric card. The site will have cameras, patrols, emergency vehicles and modern technologies such as drones and zodiac boats. As a matter of fact, modern...
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Hazardous materials are known to arrive by ship. How will they be managed on the terminal?
Published onTransporting dangerous goods is highly regulated. The Port has a specialized team to oversee and respond as needed, even for products like radioactive medical substances, under the supervision of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
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