Canadians are seeing the effects of an ever-changing and unpredictable global economy. The Government of Canada is improving Canada's climate competitiveness by investing in green shipping corridors and clean ports, which will support economic growth and build a more efficient and cleaner transportation system. The majority of domestic marine shipments are transported by Canadian-owned vessel companies.
Today, the Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Steven MacKinnon, announced up to $6.4 million to R.W. Tomlinson Ltd.'s Ontario Trap Rock facility for their Trap Rock Electrification of Extended Ship Loading System project in Bruce Mines, funded under the Green Shipping Corridor Program.
This funding aims to support the adoption of an electric-powered extended ship loading system to replace diesel-powered haul trucks that currently transport aggregates 2.7 km to Ontario Trap Rock's commercial dock.
By investing in low-carbon and net-zero emission technologies, the project will reduce emissions from the marine sector while making our supply chains more efficient in moving construction materials through the Great Lakes. The electrified system is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also reducing truck traffic crossing Highway 17, improving safety and reducing impacts for the local community.
As a critical facility for Canada's marine sector, Ontario Trap Rock produces high-quality trap rock aggregates that are fundamental for construction and infrastructure projects throughout the Great Lakes region and northern Ontario.
Ontario Trap Rock, owned by R.W. Tomlinson, is the largest employer in Bruce Mines, employing approximately 50 full-time workers, and the quarry has decades of reserves remaining. The project, along with planned dock expansion, will allow the facility to increase annual shipments by up to 25 percent, helping ensure the continued long-term viability of this important economic asset to the local community and to the provincial and Canadian economy. R.W. Tomlinson is a Canadian, family-owned company that has been operating for over 70 years.
Investments like this are helping to build green shipping corridors across Canada, while modernizing ports and marine infrastructure so goods move more efficiently while reducing environmental impacts.
