PORT OF QUÉBEC: A STORIED PAST, A PROMISING FUTURE

When I think of Québec City, the river is the first thing that comes to mind. It has sharped our history, our economy, and even our identity. The port is older than the city itself. It was here, on the banks of the St. Lawrence, that it all began. Countless ships came and went, trade started to thrive, and generations of workers laid the foundations of who we are today.

The Port of Québec is the oldest in Canada. For over four centuries, it has driven economic growth in the Capitale-Nationale region, the province, and the country as a whole. Wood, wheat, iron – and thousands of humain stories – made their way through its waters. It has grown alongside Québec society, from the early days of the colony to today’s modern economy, always remaining open to the world.

This rich history is built on century-old infrastructure, much of which is still in use today. These aging wharves have borne witness to our growth and supported the rise of industrial Québec, weathering ice, tides, and time. But today, they are reaching the end of their lifespan and must be rebuild.

That’s why we launched the Modernization Plan for Critical Port Infrastructures, a major ten-year investment estimated at $1.7 billion. This plan is more than a construction project: it captures our vision for the future.

Modernization means strengthening the Port of Québec’s role as a strategic partner in tomorrow’s supply chains. Rebuilding our wharves will bolster the reliability and resilience of our logistics platform, which is critical to Canadian trade and to the strength of local businesses.

It also means renewing our dialogue with our neighbouring communities. Whether it be through its public spaces, its cruises, of its environmental commitments, the Port is a core part of people’s daily lives, and I want it to be a source of pride and belonging to our city.

And finally, it means positioning the Port of Québec as a major economic driver, securing the prosperity of the Capitale-Nationale region for the benefit of its residents and businesses. After all, strong, modern, and sustainable port facilities energize the entire regional ecosystem.

The Port of Québec has always been a place where people are welcomed, journeys begin and end, and exchanges thrive. With our modernization plan, we are continuing that story – and preparing it for generations to come.

Every day, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to inherit such a rich history. But I also know we are responsible for writing the next chapter of that history with courage and vision. The Port of Québec has a remarkable past, and it will have a bright future.

As I look ahead, I keep thinking of our: I welcome and look upon. These words capture our mission perfectly: to welcome ships, ideas, people, and opportunities, while caring for our river, our environment, and our communities. It’s in this balance between openness and responsibility that the future of the Port of Québec will continue to take shape.

– Olga Farman