J.D. Irving, Limited, a Canadian multi-industrial company headquartered in Saint John (New Brunswick), is investing $72.5m CAD [Canadian dollar] as part of an infrastructure initiative that will strengthen the Saint John Trade Corridor and help position the Port of Saint John and New Brunswick for continued growth in global trade.
The project which totally amounting to $463m, brings together the federal and provincial governments, Port Saint John, New Brunswick Southern Railway (NBSR), and other partners to improve rail, road and marine infrastructure connecting Saint John to national and international markets.
The initiative is the first project approved under the federal Trade Diversification Corridors Fund and is designed to improve the movement of goods, strengthen supply chains, and expand market access for Canadian exporters.
As part of the overall investment, J.D. Irving, Limited, through New Brunswick Southern Railway, will lead shoreline stabilization work at the Bayshore Rail Terminal and undertake significant rail infrastructure improvements, including the replacement of 103 kilometres of track and associated upgrades that will increase freight capacity and improve reliability across the corridor.
Every rail car moving into or out of Port Saint John passes through the Bayshore Rail Terminal, making it one of the most critical transportation assets in Atlantic Canada.
The broader project includes widening the port’s main navigation channel through dredging, marine infrastructure enhancements, warehouse improvements, construction of a new Canada Border Services Agency container examination facility, and reconstruction of the Simms Corner intersection to improve traffic flow and safety.
The government of Canada is contributing $254m to the project, while the Province of New Brunswick is investing $116.5m. Project partners are contributing the remaining $92.5m, including J.D. Irving, Limited’s $72.5m investment. Construction and implementation of the various project components will occur over the coming years in partnership with the project stakeholders.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates what can be achieved when governments and industry work together toward a common goal,” said Jim Irving, chief executive officer of J.D. Irving, Limited. “We extend our sincere thanks to MP Wayne Long, Minister Steven MacKinnon, Premier Susan Holt and Mayor Donna Reardon for their collaboration and commitment. By combining these investments with our own, we are helping build a more efficient, resilient and competitive port and transportation network that will strengthen the Port of Saint John, create new opportunities for businesses, and support continued growth and investment in Saint John, while benefiting Canadians from coast to coast.”
