Friday, April 10, 2026
Canada’s largest east coast port expansion is moving forward with a $1.16 billion loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) to the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) for a new container terminal in Contrecoeur.
The announcement made by Prime Minister Mark Carney marks the first fast-tracked project to launch since the government announced the initial series of projects referred to its Major Projects Office back in September.
Once complete, the Contrecoeur terminal will add up to 1.15 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of annual capacity–about 60 per cent of the Port of Montreal’s current throughput–directly addressing long-term capacity constraints and supporting future growth in container traffic.
“The global economy is changing, continuing to impact trade and affordability. That is why we are making long-term, strategic investments that will keep goods moving and costs down for Canadians. By expanding capacity at the Port of Montréal, we are strengthening our supply chains, reducing congestion and ensuring Canadian businesses can compete, grow and prosper,” saijd Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport.
Construction of critical in-water works including dredging, quay wall construction and other infrastructure required for vessel access and operations began in October 2025 and is being delivered by a joint venture between Aecon and Pomerleau.
In 2027, work is expected to begin on building out terminal and logistics infrastructure, with commercial operations targeted for 2030. This includes development of the intermodal yard, construction of the terminal and installation of ship-loading equipment at the site, located approximately 40 kilometres northeast of Montreal.
The Port of Montreal Contrecoeur Terminal is No. 78 on ReNew Canada’s 2026 Top100 Projects report.
“Canada’s trade future depends on infrastructure that is ready before demand arrives–not after. The Contrecœur terminal is exactly that kind of forward-looking investment. It will anchor Montreal’s role as a gateway to global markets. The MPA has worked closely with our federal and provincial partners to bring this project to fruition, and with the help of the private sector, we will deliver lasting value for thousands of companies from all across Quebec and Canada,” said Nathalie Pilon, chair, Montreal Port Authority.
The Government of Quebec is contributing $130 million; Transport Canada $150 million and the full financing will be repaid through autonomous revenues and the contribution of the private sector as terminal operator. Ultimately, more than 85 per cent of infrastructure costs will therefore be borne by the private sector.
“Strengthening Canada’s ports to expand trade and grow the economy is a core priority for the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Our loan towards Contrecoeur supports a project of national importance–one of the largest eastern port expansions in Canadian history–and will deliver lasting benefits for Canada’s economy for decades to come,” said Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank.
DP World is in discussions with the MPA to serve as terminal operator.
The project also leverages existing transportation infrastructure, including Highway 30 and the CN rail connection, reducing the need for new land-based construction and limiting additional impacts on the surrounding environment. The Contrecœur terminal has been designed to minimize its environmental footprint and meet 388 binding conditions set by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.
Featured image: Contrecoeur (CNW Group/Canada Infrastructure Bank)
