THOROLD, ONT. — The Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) has announced the expansion of its Niagara lands portfolio with the addition of three new parcels of land that it intends to upgrade to add to its industrial capacity.
There were two acquisitions in Thorold of 12 and 16 acres and one in Port Colborne of 40 acres. The properties are owned by Transport Canada and were previously declared surplus to the operation of the Welland Canal, stated a release.
The three parcels are active or legacy industrial sites and “are positioned for revitalization to modern industrial uses” as multimodal hubs, said HOPA.
The Thorold Multimodal Hub is a 500-plus-acre multimodal industrial complex adjacent to the Welland Canal, with marine, rail and highway access. HOPA and its partners the BMI Group have upgraded industrial facilities with more than 25 companies now signed as tenants. The Thorold Hub was recently shortlisted for a 2023 Brownie Brownfield Redevelopment Award.
The two new parcels will be added to the northernmost area of the hub, with users to have access to indoor and outdoor storage and handling of commodities.
The transfer of the Port Colborne lands will enable new use of the southeast side of the Welland Canal. Industrial uses will include cargo handling and storage and improved multimodal service for shippers. HOPA stated the site’s Lake Erie access makes it a candidate for bulk, breakbulk and containerized cargo.
HOPA is also working to develop a potential Great Lakes-focused multi-use centre at the Port Colborne lands. Participants in discussions on the concept include the Seafarers International Union, Niagara College and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.
“The new Great Lakes Centre will build on the rich marine heritage of Port Colborne and the Welland Canal, and offer economic uplift, job creation and opportunities for education and environmental champions to prosper,” commented Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini in a statement.
HOPA oversees 1,400 acres in Oshawa, Hamilton and Niagara with 150 tenant companies.
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