Environmental Protection 

The authorization covers potential impacts on fish and fish habitat associated with construction of the new terminal, including the wharf and all required in-water work. All activities will be carried out in full compliance with the conditions, measures, protocols and environmental practices outlined by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 

“Obtaining this authorization represents the continuation of years of effort dedicated to advancing the Port of Montreal expansion project in Contrecœur,” said Julie Gascon, president and CEO of the MPA. “Our constructive collaboration with experts at Fisheries and Oceans Canada reflects our commitment to meeting environmental requirements while advancing the project in accordance with an established compensation plan.” 

The authorization follows the federal environmental assessment conducted by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, which resulted in a positive decision statement in 2021. The assessment process included extensive scientific analysis, as well as broad public and Indigenous consultations, with particular attention to potential impacts on the habitat of copper redhorse, an endangered freshwater fish habitat. 

In October, the MPA also received approval to implement a compensation plan for copper redhorse feeding beds. The plan was developed in accordance with the decision statement and in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Quebec’s Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks and Environment and Climate Change Canada. 

Projected Completion 

With this latest authorization in place, the MPA will proceed with the project as planned. In-water construction and continued site development are scheduled to begin in 2026. The new terminal is expected to be completed in 2030.  

According to the Port of Montreal, the new terminal will include two berths and a container-handling area, an intermodal marshalling yard connected to the main rail network, a truck gate connected to the road network and secondary facilities for port activities. The expansion project is being developed on land purchased by the port in the late 1980s. 

The construction of the new terminal will result in the creation of nearly 8,000 jobs. Once at full capacity, the terminal will support nearly 1,200 direct, indirect and induced jobs across the country. 

Coinciding with the expansion authorization, the Port of Montreal reported it handled 34.3 million metric tons of cargo during the 2025 navigation season. Container cargo increased more than expected, with the port reporting it handled 3.6% more containers during the season, which was a higher rate than originally projected. The MPA reported a 6% decline in dry bulk, attributed to weather conditions that impacted harvests. Liquid bulk also dropped by 1.6%, linked to a decrease in energy demand.