Northern Ontario Ports Gear Up for Global Trade

Marathon mayor Rick Dumas believes that revitalizing the Port of Marathon will open up great economic prospects for northern Ontario, particularly in tourism and transportation of people and goods – putting the area on the map globally.

The federal government allocated $2 million for this initiative on Tuesday, which has been in development for several years.

The port used to be a shipping center for the community’s pulp mill, which shut down in 2009 and has since been taken down.

Now, the Peninsula Harbour Port Authority – co-owned by the Town of Marathon and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg – is transforming the old industrial site into a marine terminal for both domestic and international use.

Dumas states that once it’s finished, it will be the nearest international port to the Ring of Fire, a mineral-rich area in the James Bay lowlands seen as vital for electric vehicle battery production.

“We can look at those bigger vessels and move products throughout North America and the world,” said Dumas, who also serves as president of the Northern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA).

Rick Dumas is the mayor of Marathon and president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association. (Marc Doucette/CBC)

“We believe that this could be the next benefit of the intermodal transportation corridor that we think should catch government attention, especially with regard to critical minerals from northern Ontario representing a huge opportunity for our port.”

The revitalization project is expected to generate over 200 jobs during construction and more than 20 permanent positions after completion, according to federal officials.

“The port will be unique between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay, linking Marathon, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, and nearby communities to global markets. It will also provide a fully operational marina accessible to local businesses, residents, and surrounding areas while accommodating lake freighters along with other international vessels,” stated Tuesday’s press release.

Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu, minister of jobs and families and minister responsible for Fed Nor, is seen announcing $2 million for the Port of Marathon Tuesday morning. (Office of Patty Hajdu)

Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu emphasizes how significant this project is for northern Ontario’s economy.

[Marathon and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg] are rapidly developing with various economic initiatives underway,” she mentioned. “There are two major mines extracting minerals aimed at global markets; there’s ongoing construction activity; there’s real growth happening in these communities.”

“Ultimately, it’s about ensuring this region has what it needs to ship goods efficiently around the globe.”

More Affordable Transportation Options

The federal funds will go toward building new facilities at the terminal as well as dredging significant amounts of sediment.

The port authority entered an agreement in 2024 with QSL, a Quebec-based marine services firm, to manage operations at the port.

“Initial infrastructure work will focus on roads, electrical upgrades, dock repairs,” Hajdu explained. “We’ll also add fuel storage tanks.”</P

Chief Duncan Michano from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg points out that moving essential supplies like fuel or road salt via road costs much more than transporting them by water.</P

“When you can bring things in bulk by boat and then offload them onto trucks afterwards,” he noted,” it makes transportation much shorter.”</P

Michano added that whether it’s attracting tourists via cruise ships or exporting goods abroad; enhancing access along Lake Superior’s north shore is “a smart investment.”</P

“All First Nations and municipalities must collaborate on boosting our economy – not just within Ontario but across Canada – especially given numerous challenges coming from southward,” Michano remarked regarding U. S. tariffs.<P

“Strengthening Canada’s internal economy feels necessary because these hurdles exist.”<P

Dumas acknowledged that while full restoration may take time; some goods might start moving through this port as early as summer.

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