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The PIER Innovation Ecosystem Grows with Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority Joining Membership

The PIER has welcomed the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) as its newest ecosystem member, further strengthening its global network of ports, technology companies, supply chain partners, researchers and startups.

Through this new partnership, the organizations aim to advance port innovation and the adoption of practical supply chain solutions to strengthen supply chain resilience and contribute to trade diversification. 

“We warmly welcome HOPA to The PIER. HOPA’s insights into port operations, particularly bulk cargo, will present exciting new opportunities for collaboration with other PIER members.”

David Thomas, Executive Director, The PIER

"As Ontario's integrated port network, HOPA is committed to advancing innovation that strengthens supply chain resilience and supports economic growth. The PIER provides an ideal environment to collaborate, test new ideas, and accelerate the adoption of technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental performance across the marine transportation sector."

Larissa Fenn, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, HOPA

HOPA’s participation will focus on supply chain visibility, improving safety and efficiency in bulk cargo operations, and supporting environmental initiatives that promote more sustainable supply chains. 

About The PIER

The PIER is Canada’s first living lab dedicated to transportation, supply chain and logistics industries. The PIER stands for Port Innovation, Engagement, and Research, and is where key supply chain partners collaborate to solve complex problems in a real port context at the Port of Halifax. Partners are focused on co-creating testing and accelerating practical solutions alongside end-users that benefit Canada’s economy, the environment, and local community. 

About Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority

As an integrated port network, HOPA Ports offers innovative port and marine assets in Hamilton, Niagara and Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. We’re developing multimodal spaces to support industries and facilitate trade. By investing in infrastructure and prioritizing sustainability, we’re building prosperous working waterfronts in Ontario communities. 

Media Contacts:

Emma Ross 
Communications & Programming Coordinator, The PIER 
[email protected]

Larissa Fenn 
Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority 
[email protected]

Renee Bulger, CPA, CGA

Vice President, Finance

Renee assumed the role of Vice President, Finance after having served as Director of Finance since 2023.

Renee joined the Hamilton Port Authority in 2006 as a General Accountant and was promoted to Controller in 2018. She was previously a member of the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Conservation Foundation from 2017 to 2020.

Renee received her Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Larissa Fenn

Larissa Fenn

Vice President, Corporate Affairs

Larissa Fenn is Vice President, Corporate Affairs at HOPA Ports, leading a team responsible for strategic initiatives, public affairs, sustainability reporting, corporate governance and culture.

In progressive roles over 14 years, Larissa has helped to define and execute the strategy that has grown HOPA Ports into Ontario’s largest and most dynamic port authority. Her previous experience includes policy and communications management roles in financial services and municipal government.

Larissa holds a B.A. in Political Science from Queen’s University, and an MBA from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. A champion for the Great Lakes and vibrant waterfront cities, Larissa serves as a Board Member of the Ontario Marine Council and is former Vice Chair of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton/Burlington, Ontario.

Bill Fitzgerald

Vice President, Strategic Development

Bill assumed the role of Vice President, Strategic Development in 2024, after having served as HOPA’s Vice President, Operations since 2008.

Bill joined the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority in July 1995 as Project Engineer. He previously worked with the Regional Municipality of Ottawa’s Transportation Department, as well as for the Toronto Transit Commission and the City of Waterloo.

Bill received a Bachelor of Applied Science, civil engineering / water resources, in 1995 from the University of Waterloo and registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario in 1997.

Jeremy Dunn

Vice President, Operations

Jeremy assumed the role of Vice President, Operations in 2024 after having served as HOPA’s Commercial Vice President since 2019. Prior to joining HOPA, Jeremy served in successive leadership roles at The Miller Group, one of Canada’s leading transportation construction and infrastructure maintenance companies. Jeremy has managed multiple business groups in the heavy construction, asphalt paving and aggregates sectors driving results through business restructuring, service improvement and strategic growth. In his most recent role, Jeremy served as General Manager of Miller Maintenance, responsible for managing and growing Miller’s highway maintenance business in Ontario.

Previous to The Miller Group, Jeremy held the position of Director of Operations for the Dunn Group of Companies.

Jeremy earned his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) through Queen’s University. He also holds a Master’s Certificate in Project Management.

Ian Hamilton

President & CEO

Ian Hamilton is President & CEO of HOPA Ports (Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority). He assumed this role in 2017, after serving as the Port Authority’s Vice President of Business Development and Real Estate since 2008. Ian has been instrumental in developing working waterfronts in Hamilton, Oshawa, and Niagara by attracting new business and private investment, and creating an integrated marine network across Southern Ontario.

Ian possesses more than 25 years of experience in international transportation and logistics in Europe and North America, and has held progressively senior positions in the liner shipping industry, including Transatlantic Trade Director (Europe) for CP Ships and Business Development Manager for Hapag-Lloyd. Ian is Chairperson of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, and holds positions on various other boards, including: the Chamber of Marine Commerce, the Hamilton Club, and Brigs Youth Sail Training.

Ian holds an MBA from Aston University (UK) and a BSc in business administration and economics from the College of Charleston, South Carolina.