Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority fourth anniversary

(Posted on 21/06/23)

The Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) proudly marks its fourth year of successful operations, celebrating significant milestones and setting ambitious goals for the future. Since the Hamilton Port Authority was amalgamated with the Oshawa Port Authority by the Minister of Transport in 2019, HOPA has emerged as a leading integrated port network, playing a vital role in driving economic growth, building resilient supply chains, enhancing trade networks, and developing sustainable solutions in the Golden Horseshoe Region.

“We’ve had remarkable growth over the past four years,” says Ian Hamilton, President and CEO of HOPA Ports. “We’ve moved from one location to four locations and it’s been phenomenal how our team has been able to rise to every challenge and continue to provide the service to our customers and the service to our communities that we’re so proud of. HOPA now owns and manages multimodal industrial properties; the Port of Hamilton, the Port of Oshawa and Niagara Ports.”

HOPA’s core mission is to facilitate trade while being responsible stewards of the port lands and their marine, road and rail networks. In fulfilling this mandate, HOPA places significant importance on maintaining financial stability and actively reinvesting in the development of its ports and the surrounding communities.

During its first four years, HOPA has made substantial investments to expand and enhance infrastructure across its port network, continued to build partnerships with key stakeholders and implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint. Capital investment in port infrastructure has steadily increased, from approximately $19 million in 2019, to close to $40 million planned for 2023.

“Sustainability is one of our core values and it’s something we take very seriously and are more than happy to invest in,” continued Hamilton. “We see it in three different ways; one is the goods we consume and how can we be as efficient as possible in that, the energy that we use and then most importantly, what can we do to facilitate greener solutions and greening supply chains for our customers.”

One of the most interesting strategic areas is the development of more short sea shipping opportunities in the Great Lakes. It is an idea which has been discussed for a long time, but important factors have recently come into alignment for the first time.

“With driver shortages and vulnerabilities in the supply chain, along with an emphasis on reducing emissions, we believe the maritime industry is perfectly positioned to provide solutions to these challenges. Southern Ontario is perfectly positioned to benefit from shifting more cargo from road to marine transportation, including: alleviating congestion, lowering emissions and achieving a more balanced supply chain.”

As HOPA enters its fifth year, it remains focused on strengthening its position as a leading port network on the Great Lakes, while upholding its commitment to sustainability and deepening its engagement with waterfront communities to build Port City Pride.