Canada Invests $6.4 Million to Boost Green Shipping Corridors

The Government of Canada is taking significant steps to enhance its climate competitiveness by investing in green shipping corridors and clean ports. This initiative aims to bolster economic growth and create a more efficient transportation system. As part of this effort, the government announced a funding commitment of up to $6.4 million for R.W. Tomlinson Ltd.’s Ontario Trap Rock facility in Bruce Mines.

Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma, welcomed Steven MacKinnon, the federal Minister of Transport, to the Algoma district to unveil this important investment. The funding will support the Trap Rock Electrification of Extended Ship Loading System project, which falls under the Green Shipping Corridor Program. This program aligns with the government’s strategy to strengthen domestic supply chains for essential construction materials.

The aggregates produced at Ontario Trap Rock are vital for constructing roads, rail lines, and other key infrastructure across Canada. By investing in local businesses that generate these materials, the government is actively fostering a resilient, made-in-Canada economy. Ontario Trap Rock, owned by R.W. Tomlinson, serves as the largest employer in Bruce Mines, providing jobs for approximately 50 full-time workers and boasting decades of reserves.

This project, alongside a planned dock expansion, is expected to increase the facility’s annual shipments by up to 25 percent. Such growth is crucial for the long-term viability of this economic asset, benefiting both the local community and the broader provincial and national economies.

R.W. Tomlinson has been a Canadian, family-owned company for over 70 years. By focusing on low-carbon and net-zero emission technologies, the new system will not only reduce emissions from the marine sector but also enhance the efficiency of transporting construction materials through the Great Lakes.

The anticipated benefits extend beyond economic growth. The electrified system is projected to significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the volume of truck traffic on Highway 17. This reduction will improve safety and lessen the environmental impact on the local community.

“This investment is great news for Bruce Mines and the North Shore region,” said Terry Sheehan. “Projects like this show that small towns can lead the way in building a stronger economy while protecting the environment for future generations. I’m proud to see local workers and businesses at the forefront of the transition to cleaner industry.”

Minister MacKinnon emphasized the importance of sustainable supply chains, stating, “Canada’s supply chains must be both competitive and sustainable. Investments like this one are helping build the next generation of green shipping corridors across the Great Lakes, reducing emissions while ensuring the materials that build our communities move efficiently and reliably.”

Local leaders are also optimistic about the implications of this investment. Lory Patteri, Mayor of Bruce Mines, noted, “Ontario Trap Rock has long been an important part of our community and a key local employer. This investment supports the modernization of their operations while reducing truck traffic and environmental impacts in our area. Projects like this help strengthen our local economy and support sustainable growth for Bruce Mines.”

Ron Tomlinson, CEO of R.W. Tomlinson Ltd., expressed pride in the company’s commitment to sustainability. “As a proudly Canadian-owned, family-run company that has operated for more than 70 years, R.W. Tomlinson is committed to investing in innovative and sustainable solutions for the future. This project at Ontario Trap Rock will help reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and strengthen the movement of essential construction materials throughout the Great Lakes region. We are proud to partner with the Government of Canada to support cleaner transportation and continued economic opportunities for Bruce Mines and Northern Ontario.”

The investment in green shipping corridors not only enhances Canada’s infrastructure but also signals a commitment to sustainable practices that will benefit the economy and environment for generations to come.