The city's economic development director says Sarnia Harbour and private docks along the St. Clair River stand to benefit from the region's first-ever maritime strategy. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne unveiled the plan in Detroit Wednesday on behalf of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence governors and premiers. Its goal is to double the economic output of the $30-billion maritime industry in the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. Sarnia Director of Economic Development and Corporate Planning, Peter Hungerford, says it's also critical to ongoing local efforts to develop a heavy haul corridor.
"Our heavy haul corridor is going to rely on a well maintained Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway system to move oversized and heavy loads that are either fabricated in the area and shipped out to other destinations or, alternatively, to accommodate large objects that are being imported by some of our petrochemical and refining companies," says Hungerford.
Strategy proposals include building another lock at Sault Ste. Marie that can accommodate the largest freighters; more dredging of key channels and harbours; developing an agreement on managing the system and making government regulations consistent; and streamlining the customs clearing process for cruise passengers and maritime cargo. Hungerford says his office will be closely monitoring the rollout of the strategy and seeking further details. He notes the harbour generated over $500,000 in revenue for the city from freighter berthing and maintenance last year and there was significant economic benefit to local shipping companies. -With files from the Canadian Press
