QUÉBEC CITY AND THE PORT OF QUÉBEC UNVEIL THEIR JOINT VISION AND ANNOUNCE AIVP’S ENTRY INTO NORTH AMERICA
Québec City, January 15, 2026 – In the presence of the Minister Responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region, Natural Resources, and Forests, Jean-François Simard, and the General Manager of Association internationale Villes et Ports (AIVP), Bruno Delsalle, the Mayor of Québec City, Bruno Marchand, and the CEO of the Port of Québec, Olga Farman, presented the 2026-2035 City-Port Vision.
This ten-year joint Vision aims to make Québec City a sustainable and innovative port and maritime hub by strengthening the synergy between the City and the Port for the benefit of citizens, riverside communities, and economic stakeholders. It demonstrates a commitment to implementing transformative projects – including the modernization of port infrastructure, which is crucial for supporting regional competitiveness and prosperity.
At the heart of this Vision, the Port of Québec’s infrastructures play a dual strategic role. They are real economic driver, supporting trade and supplying companies while creating wealth for the region and the province. These infrastructures are therefore in direct alignment with the spirit of the Vision, which combines economic performance, quality of life, and harmonious integration of urban and port areas.
Specific mesures are already underway, including reducing speed limits and increasing control of heavy vehicules in the Old Port area. Further measures are planned, including acquiring and sharing mobility data to optimize the transportation of goods, evolving the governance of public spaces to improve urban integration, and, from 2027, exploring the possibility of establishing a biennal forum on major port and maritime trends to maintain constant dialogue with social, economic, and institutional stakeholders.
This ambition is bolstered by a flagship measure: the establishment of AIVP’s first North America presence in Québec City. With over 180 member cities in 45 countries, AIVP is recognized as a leading authority in sustainable port development. Its presence will position Québec City as a hub for innovation and international cooperation, facilitating exchanges between port cities and their socio-economic partners. This initiative is part of Québec City’s vision for international relations and has been made possible thanks to financial and technical support from the City, the Port, and Québec’s provincial government.
Through the 2026-2035 City-Port Vision, the City and the Port are paving the way for a significant transformation that will enhance the competitiveness of Québec City, reinforce its strategic role in international trade and Canadian supply chains, and establish the region as a beacon of innovation and sustainability.
The City-Port Vision is a shared ambition that will further integrate the Port into our urban landscape, maximizing the benefits of the community. AIVP’s arrival in Québec City confirms our role as leader in the international network of port cities.
The City-Port Vision is a milestone for Québec City. The Port is on the verge of a significant modernization process that will deliver long-lasting benefits for all our partners, our communities, and our regional economy. This demonstrates our dedication to achieving a balance between economic performance, quality of life, and innovation.
This initiative perfectly illustrates what we want for the Capitale-Nationale region: strong collaboration between the City and the Port for sustainable development and collective prosperity. The decision to establish AIVP’s North American office in Québec City not only confirms that the strategic importance of our region, but also opens the door to international exchanges that will further solidify our maritime leadership. The Québec government is proud to support this initiative and work alongside its partners to turn these ambitions into reality.
By choosing Québec City as the location for its North American activities, AIVP hopes to capitalize on the City’s dynamic relationship with its port and its leadership to foster exchanges between cities, ports, and their socio-economic partners. It is important to remember that over 80% of world trade is transported by sea and that port cities are geostrategic hubs.
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About the Port of Québec
The Port of Québec is strategically located 1100 km from the Atlantic Ocean, close to the Great Lakes market. It is the last deepwater port in the St. Lawrence corridor, with a depth of 15 metres. This unique position allows Canadian companies to achieve significant economies of scale in both import and export trade.
With links to more than 40 partner countries, the Port of Québec and its employees handle an average of over 26 million tonnes of goods every year, representing a commercial value of over $15 billion.
The Port is also recognized as the leading cruise port on the St. Lawrence; along with all its partners in Québec’s maritime industry, it contributes to $2 billion in economic spin-offs while supporting some 12,000 jobs nationwide.
The Québec Port Authority (QPA) is ranked 4th out of the 17 Canadian port authorities in terms of revenue. While it is economically powerful, it is also known for its contributions to the area’s urban and social fabric thanks to port spaces like the Agora, the Baie de Beauport, the Oasis, La Cale, the Discoglace, and the Village Nordik.
Sources and informations
Citizen Relations and Communications
418 641-621 | [email protected]
Cedrik Verreault
Press Officer | Mayor’s Office
581 745-1499 | [email protected]
Frédéric Lagacé
Director, Public relations and communications | Port of Québec
418 929-5031 | [email protected]