Investment Boost for Thunder Bay and Marathon Ports

The Ontario government is putting more than $2.8 million into upgrades at two port facilities in northwestern Ontario as part of an effort to strengthen local supply chains, enhance east-west trade, and lessen dependence on U. S. markets.

Premier Doug Ford announced the investment during a news conference in Thunder Bay on Tuesday, stating that it will aid infrastructure improvements at the Port of Thunder Bay and the Peninsula Harbour Port Authority in Marathon.

Specifically, Ford mentioned that the funding will be used to boost storage and cargo staging capabilities at the Port of Thunder Bay and create a marine terminal at the Port of Marathon.

“[This will allow] these ports [to] increase cargo volumes and ship more local products, including critical minerals from the Ring of Fire, forestry products, grain and potash, as well as components for pipelines and wind turbines to southern Ontario and other provinces and around the world,” the premier said. 

“With over 10.7 million metric tonnes of cargo moving through its facilities in 2025 and the vast majority of that cargo moving 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 the western provinces and Europe.” 

Ford noted that this funding – provided through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation – “will ensure both ports are positioned to capitalize on once-in-a-generation opportunity in the Ring of Fire now and for decades to come.” 

The province says that $804,955 will go to Thunder Bay Port Authority while $2 million will be allocated for Peninsula Harbour Port Authority.

Funding ‘means a lot’ for community: Marathon mayor

Mayor Rick Dumas from Marathon expressed how significant this funding is for his community.

“[It] gives us the opportunity to refurbish the wharf itself, the dock, and also put in place electrical systems we need to get our facility up-to-date for products coming to site,” Dumas told CBC Thunder Bay. 

Mayor of Marathon Rick Dumas said the funding ‘means a lot’ for his community. (Sarah Law/CBC)

“So we’re very excited about it, and we’re thankful that Ontario’s government sees how important this is.”

“These developments are great news for northern Ontario; it’s marking a fresh start for both Marathon and Biigtigong [Nishnaabeg] regarding their port authority,” added Dumas, who also serves as president of Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association. 

‘This is going to help us grow’

Chris Heikkinen, CEO of Port of Thunder Bay also appreciated this funding.

<p“We were finding some pinch points with our current cargo capacity; this support will help us expand,” he shared with .

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Heikkinen described how vital this port is for Thunder Bay’s economy, contributing about $400 million annually along with roughly 1,000 direct jobs.

Chris Heikkinen, CEO of Port of Thunder Bay also welcomed the funding. (Sarah Law/CBC)

The province states that over 10.7 million metric tonnes moved through Port of Thunder Bay in 2025; it acts as a crucial hub connecting western Canada with domestic markets as well as international ones via Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system.

Additionally, funds earmarked for Peninsula Harbour Port Authority will focus on transforming unused commercial docks at what used to be Marathon Pulp mill site into a new marine terminal.

This facility aims to manage critical minerals, forest products, road salt alongside renewable energy components heading towards markets across Ontario and beyond.
The port authority operates under a partnership between Town of Marathon along with Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation; they plan on starting operations by late 2027.

George Pirie-Ontario’s minister responsible for northern economic development-mentioned these investments would enhance access towards cost-effective marine transportation catering specifically towards resource-driven sectors within northwestern Ontario.

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