THUNDER BAY -- The agency that oversees Thunder Bay's harbour is welcoming a federal government review of Canada's port authorities.
Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced the review, saying that much has changed since the authorities were established 20 years ago.
"Ports are a critical part of Canada's transportation network and trade corridors, and need to remain innovative and competitive...I invite marine stakeholders and Canadians to provide input that will help shape the future of Canada's port system," Garneau said.
The Thunder Bay Port Authority is among 18 that were created in 1998 to operate on a commercial basis at arms-length from the government. They handle more than 60 per cent of the country's commercial cargo volume.
Thunder Bay port CEO Tim Heney said "it's prudent" at this point to consider whether there are ways to improve the system. Specifically, he'd like the review to consider the possibility of freeing up the authority's ability to raise revenue.
"The rules for buying and selling property by the port are very restrictive. That alone would help us in terms of the development of some of the properties in Thunder Bay," Heney said.
He said that at present the authority is only able to lease property. "To sell it is almost impossible...that's a problem for some prospective customers."
The authority holds about 65 acres of land—most of it around Keefer Terminal— which Heney said would be suitable for development. "We look at Keefer as an attraction for business for Thunder Bay, so any way we can magnify that is a good thing for us."
Heney noted that the creation of an organization to manage Thunder Bay's port only came about in the 1950s, much later than many others. That was despite the fact that the harbour had been in commercial use since the 19th century. He speculated that that's one reason the authority doesn't own as much land as some of its counterparts in other port cities.
One challenge, Heney said, is that all the ports operate under a one-size-fits-all legislation. He feels it would be helpful to be able to tailor the regulations to accommodate the circumstances of different-sized ports.
According to a study released in 2011, Thunder Bay's port was responsible at that time for 1,800 direct, induced or indirect jobs, and $369 million in economic activity.
Transport Canada said it intends to consult through round tables and meetings with municipalities, provincial governments, Indigenous peoples, broader domestic and international marine sector stakeholders, and the Canadian public.
It said the findings of the review, expected in 2019, will identify potential policy, legislative and regulatory changes "to help port authorities consolidate their positions as key players in the economy."
