HOPA Ports welcomes the first ships of 2026, marking the start of the Great Lakes shipping season

HOPA Ports opens the 2026 Great Lakes shipping season with the traditional Top Hat ceremony in Hamilton and Oshawa. MV Florence Spirit, operated by McKeil Marine, is the first vessel to arrive as McKeil celebrates 70 years in Hamilton. The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway System is crucial for industry, trade, and safety. HAMILTON, ON – […]
Legal Counsel
HOPA Ports is seeking a Legal Counsel to join our Senior Leadership Team to drive the sustainable growth of Ontario’s largest port authority. In this key position you will work closely with our Executive Team to shape strategy, influence major projects, and help build the expansion of our port network. Join a purpose-driven organization where […]
Recreational Marina Launch Crew

The Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority is seeking a seasonal employee to assist the Harbour West Marina with the recreational boat launch activities. Reporting to the Director, Maintenance & Fleet, Launch will commence on April 10, 2026 and will run for approximately 6-8 weeks. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm with potential for […]
HOPA Ports partners with Crime Stoppers of Hamilton and Hamilton Police Service to strengthen crime prevention through new awareness campaign

Hamilton, ON – Today, HOPA Ports, through its Harbour Master’s Office/Port Patrol, joined Crime Stoppers of Hamilton and Hamilton Police Service to launch the “Crime Doesn’t Anchor Here” campaign, an initiative designed to enhance crime prevention efforts across port lands in Hamilton. The campaign is part of a broader, city‑wide effort led by Crime Stoppers […]
HOPA Ports welcomes Mark John Stewart to its Board of Directors

HOPA Ports is pleased to welcome Mark John Stewart, ICD.D, Managing Director of Wentworth Strategy Group and Industry Professor at McMaster University, to its Board of Directors. Board Chair Anne Waldes, on behalf of the Board of Directors and HOPA staff, welcomed Mark to the organization. Mark brings extensive experience in strategy, governance, and stakeholder […]
HOPA Ports Powers Growth with Expanded Trade Network

HOPA Ports delivered a strong 2025 navigation season, moving 10.8 million MT of cargo across its expanding port network. Agri‑food, construction materials, and general cargo surged, including a 33% jump in gypsum, a key construction commodity. HOPA is accelerating the building of a Great Lakes Port Network in 2026, with new partnerships, including Sault Ste. […]
Employee Excellence Drives HOPA Ports to Fifth Top‑Employer Win

Hamilton, ON – The Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA Ports) is proud to announce that it has once again been named one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers for 2026. This year marks the fifth consecutive year HOPA Ports has earned this distinction, underscoring its sustained commitment to cultivating an outstanding workplace for its team. The annual competition, […]
HOPA Ports Sets Sights on North–South Trade Corridor as Ontario Port Network Continues to Expand

Hamilton, ON — As a new year begins, HOPA Ports is looking north to unlock new trade opportunities and strengthen domestic supply chains. A proposed north–south trade corridor anchored by a new port in Sault Ste. Marie is positioning the port authority for its next phase of growth, reinforcing Canada’s ability to move goods efficiently […]
Strengthening Cross-Border Connections: How HOPA Ports and Duluth Keep the Great Lakes Moving

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway (GLSLSS) is more than a waterway, it’s a lifeline for trade, industry, and communities across Canada and the United States. At the heart of this system is partnership that exemplifies collaboration and efficiency. HOPA Ports and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority provided an example in November, demonstrating how binational cooperation […]
Your Voice Matters: HOPA Ports Launches Community Survey Ahead of 2026 CHCH Morning Live Broadcast

HOPA Ports is thrilled to announce the return of CHCH Morning Live to Hamilton’s waterfront in 2026, but this time, the spotlight shines first on you, our community. As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, engagement, and continuous improvement, we’re launching the “Your Voice Matters” Community Survey, inviting residents, partners, and stakeholders to share […]