Project Overview
Location: Contrecoeur, Quebec (40 km northeast of Montreal) Project Type: Container terminal expansion Proponent: Montreal Port Authority Status: Major Projects Office priority designation (September 2025)
Project Description
New container terminal facility on federal lands to increase Port of Montreal capacity by approximately 60%. Site acquired in late 1980s, consultations commenced over decade ago. Maximum annual capacity: 1.15 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
Investment Value
Estimated Capital: $1.5-2 billion CAD Capacity Increase: 60% boost to existing Port of Montreal operations
Timeline
- September 2025: Major Projects Office priority designation
- Current: Final permitting and design phase
- Construction: 3-4 years post-approval
- Operations: Late 2020s target
Indigenous Partnerships
Treaty Context: Historic treaties covering St. Lawrence corridor Consultation Status: Crown obligations based on potential impacts to Aboriginal rights including navigation, fisheries, traditional waterway use Partnership Model: Benefit agreements focusing on employment, procurement, community investments
Quebec Framework:
- Consultation differs from BC coastal marine territorial assertions
- Benefits-focused versus territorial control model
- Established Montreal Port Authority Indigenous engagement protocols
Regulatory Status
- Major Projects Office designated (September 2025)
- Federal environmental assessment (federal lands)
- Provincial coordination
- Navigation and marine permits
- Two-year approval timeline target
Technical Specifications
Capacity: 1.15 million TEUs maximum annual Infrastructure: Terminal facilities, container handling equipment, rail connections Strategic Value: Diversifies Canadian trade routes, reduces Vancouver concentration Market Access: Transatlantic shipping, northeastern North American markets
Key Risks
Lower Risk Profile:
- Land acquisition completed (1980s)
- Decade+ consultation history
- Southern Quebec location (less remote than western ports)
- Established Port Authority operations
- Major Projects Office priority support
Moderate Risks:
- St. Lawrence navigation coordination
- Environmental assessment completion
- Labour force availability
Investment Opportunities
- Major Projects Office streamlined approval
- Strategic Eastern Canada trade capacity
- European trade relationship strengthening
- Diversification from West Coast ports
- Established Montreal Port Authority financial capacity
Employment Impact
Construction: 1,000+ jobs during build-out Operations: Hundreds of permanent positions Economic Impact: Significant Quebec regional development
