Hamiton, 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 and serve as its own strongest trading partner.
The initiative builds on five years of sustained investment and expansion across HOPA Ports’ integrated marine, rail, and road network, which supports industrial growth throughout the Great Lakes region.
Recent projects underscore the scale and momentum of growth. At Pier 15 in Hamilton, construction is nearing completion at Sucro Can. The facility represents Canada’s largest sugar refinery. The project significantly expands domestic agri-food processing capacity and reinforces Hamilton’s working waterfront as a critical gateway for bulk commodities and value-added manufacturing.
“We’re leading the way in strengthening Ontario’s economy,” said Ian Hamilton, President and CEO at HOPA. “By integrating marine, rail, and road with industrial land into a single, coordinated system, we’re helping our partners move goods more efficiently and build resilient supply chains that support long-term regional growth.”
The agri-food sector continues to expand at Pier 10, where Parrish & Heimbecker is growing its grain handling and storage operations and its Mill to meet rising demand. Meanwhile, the expansion of the grain terminal at the Port of Oshawa strengthens Eastern Ontario’s agricultural supply chain and throughput capacity.
HOPA Ports continues to grow its presence in the Niagara region, enhancing port infrastructure and adding flexibility for cargo movement along the Great Lakes.
Across its network, HOPA manages more than 1,400 acres of port lands, supports 180 tenant companies, and connects cargo activity to approximately 40,000 jobs in Ontario. Every dollar earned is reinvested into infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and supply chain resilience.
Looking ahead, the proposed partnership with Sault Ste. Marie represents a strategic expansion into Northern Ontario, creating a connected north–south trade corridor that strengthens domestic trade flows and reduces reliance on external markets.
“The momentum heading into 2026 is positive and reflects both opportunity and responsibility,” added Hamilton. “We’re investing in sustainable infrastructure that protects the Great Lakes, while driving economic resilience through trade diversification and expanded global market access for Ontario companies.”
With continued investment across agri-food, manufacturing, energy, and construction sectors, and a growing Great Lakes footprint, HOPA Ports is positioning Ontario’s working waterfronts to meet the evolving demands of trade, climate resilience, and economic growth.
Stronger supply chains. Thriving communities. Prosperous working waterfronts.
