- CBSA grants rail terminal approval in principle:allowing containers to move by rail directly into the Port of Hamilton, enabling the Hamilton Container Terminal (HCT) to receive shipments from first ports of arrival including Montreal, Halifax, Saint John, Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
- New inland capacity unlocked:strengthening southern Ontario’s supply chain by reducing highway congestion, cutting trucking distances, and creating a more efficient, resilient routing option for Canadian shippers.
- Purpose‑built infrastructure activated:in-line with plans announced in Budget 2025, this step positions Hamilton as a strategic inland hub, supporting Ontario’s industrial heartland and enhancing Canada’s ability to move goods to markets around the world.
HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton‑Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA Ports) welcomed today’s announcement by the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) on behalf of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, confirming approval in principle, by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), to license Hamilton Container Terminal to operate a new inland rail transload terminal for containers at the Port of Hamilton.
The approval in principle will enable containers to move by rail directly into Hamilton from first ports of arrival, including Montreal, Halifax, Saint John, Vancouver and Prince Rupert, supporting the activation of new inland capacity to strengthen efficient, secure, and resilient supply chains in southern Ontario. Once operational, the facility will also provide export capacity, offering Hamilton-area businesses a cost-saving export gateway.
“This milestone reflects the Government of Canada’s focus on strengthening trade corridors, easing congestion at primary gateways, and improving the flow of goods through strategic inland infrastructure; priorities reinforced in Budget 2025 and Canada’s broader trade diversification agenda,” said Ian Hamilton, President & CEO of HOPA Ports.
The new rail transload terminal at Pier 18 builds on HOPA Ports’ investment in port lands and rail access, alongside more than $50 million invested by Hamilton Container Terminal (HCT) in land acquisition and site enablement. The facility strengthens inland rail capacity and supports more efficient movement of goods through the Port of Hamilton.
“The Canada Border Services Agency plays a crucial role in protecting Canadians and facilitating legitimate trade,” said the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) on behalf of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety. “This new sufferance warehouse in Hamilton will allow the CBSA to improve the flow of goods coming into Canada and alleviate congestions at ports of entry. We are committed to making trade work better for everyone and that will help make Canada more prosperous."
From a port authority perspective, the approval in principle marks the full activation of infrastructure designed to better align rail, marine, and inland logistics, supporting balanced import and export flows critical to operational efficiency and global competitiveness.
“This approval represents the culmination of years of planning and investment at the Port of Hamilton,” added Hamilton. “Supported by HOPA’s investment in rail infrastructure and surrounding lands at Pier 18, this step forward enables an inland import-export operation that supports local businesses and consumers, keeps goods on rail longer, reduces congestion on southern Ontario highways, and delivers meaningful cost and emissions savings.”
Once fully operational, the inland rail terminal is expected to eliminate approximately 930,000 truck‑kilometres annually on southern Ontario highways, resulting in an estimated reduction of 1,900 to 3,900 tonnes of CO₂e emissions each year.
HOPA Ports continues to advance additional container services within the Great Lakes system, strengthening Canada’s inland trade network, diversifying supply chains, and supporting the long-term competitiveness of Ontario’s industrial heartland.
About HOPA Ports
As an integrated port network, the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) offers port and marine assets in Hamilton, Oshawa, and Niagara to support Ontario industries and facilitate trade. By investing in high-quality infrastructure and prioritizing sustainability, HOPA helps build prosperous working waterfronts in Ontario communities. Overseeing more than 1,400 acres and more than 180 tenant companies, 40,000 Ontario jobs are connected to the cargo that passes through HOPA’s integrated ports.
About Hamilton Container Terminals (HCT)
Hamilton Container Terminal (HCT) is an asset-based logistics provider in Southwestern Ontario offering integrated intermodal, flatbed, terminal, and rail services. Established through its own export and import trade volumes, HCT was built to expand routing options and strengthen supply chain reliability for Ontario businesses.
The company operates across Brampton, Caledon, and Hamilton, supported by a fleet of more than 100 assets and strategically located terminal lands.
With roots in import and export operations dating back to 2002, HCT continues to invest in Hamilton-area infrastructure and capacity to create more resilient routing options and support long term container growth.
Quotes
“This approval establishes Hamilton as an inland rail destination and delivers a new routing option for importers and exporters. From our first export vessel and rail movements to preparing for initial import rail service and continuous operations, container capacity in Hamilton has been steadily advancing. This milestone reinforces Hamilton’s role as a dependable inland gateway serving manufacturers, exporters, and consumers across Ontario.”
“This is a forward looking investment that supports both economic growth and environmental progress. Reducing up to 3,900 tonnes of emissions and hundreds of thousands of truck kilometres each year will improve quality of life for residents while boosting Hamilton’s capacity to manage expanding trade flows.”
“The expansion of Hamilton's port to include shipping containers will generate jobs and economic opportunities for our City. Moving shipping containers through Hamilton enhances Canada's international trade and will take thousands of transport trucks off the 401.”
“This new rail capability delivers real benefits for Burlington and the entire region. Cutting long haul trucking distances, reducing emissions, and creating substantial annual savings for shippers directly supports both our economic and climate goals. It gives local companies a stronger and more efficient connection to global markets, providing more stability and opportunity for our community.”
“This approval brings meaningful benefits to families and businesses across Hamilton. By reducing truck traffic, lowering emissions, and generating up to $27 million in annual supply chain savings, this project strengthens our region’s competitiveness. It gives local manufacturers and exporters a more reliable path to reach global markets.”
“This new inland rail capability is a tremendous win for Hamilton. After many months of advocating with our federal partners, I’m proud to see this major next step in the expansion of our port capacity. Removing nearly one million truck kilometres from our roads every year is transformational. It creates safer streets for families, reduces congestion for commuters, and supports a cleaner, more sustainable city for future generations. At the same time, this investment supercharges our local economy. By enabling the movement of hundreds of thousands of containers through our region, it cements Hamilton’s position as a powerhouse in modern logistics and goods movement.”
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Noseworthy
Communications Advisor
[email protected]
Media assets:
Password (case sensitive): HOPA-HCT-rail-2026
Video and Photo credit: HOPA Ports
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