By
Richard Humphreys |
Canada’s Port of Quebec has received a CAN$30 million (US$23 million) investment to build a second cruise terminal, which will be capable of accommodating 4,000 to 5,000 passengers.
To be built at Berth 30, the 100,000-square-metre facility will include a terminal building and two passenger gangways. The port will also carry out infrastructure improvements to the cruise berth before the terminal opens in 2020.
The development is being co-funded by the port, the city of Quebec and the Government of Quebec, as part of the latter’s Maritime Strategy. This project aims to optimise the responsible use of Quebec’s maritime potential and includes measures designed to enhance maritime transport, tourism and marine resources in the territory.
“The Government of Quebec’s Maritime Strategy belongs to the citizens of our regions, who benefit from the know-how and leadership needed to promote our industry, including the cruise industry, well beyond our borders,” said Jean D’Amour, minister for maritime affairs and minister responsible for Canada’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region. “Since its launch, we have been implementing concrete actions in collaboration with partners to offer quality facilities to cruise lines. The port of Quebec is a major contributor to the development and growth of this industry throughout Quebec.”
"This major project is part of the government's priorities, which include, among other things, continuing to improve reception facilities for international cruises,” said Julie Boulet, minister of tourism and minister responsible for the region Mauricie. “The development of this second terminal will meet the investment trends of cruise companies for large vessels, because the demand for cruises is constantly increasing worldwide. This industry represents a significant contribution to Quebec's economy and generates significant spin-offs, not forgetting that the growing presence of cruise passengers increases the reputation and visibility of Quebec abroad."
Building the terminal will help Quebec to cater for the growing number of visiting cruise ships. From 2010 to 2017, the number of international cruise visitors more than doubled for the Quebec stopover, increasing from 133,546 to 270,118. Port of Quebec hopes the investment project will bring benefits such as reaching their target of 400,000 visitors in 2025, which would generate, according to the port authority, CAN$682 million in total economic benefits and 5,221 jobs.
“With this new cruise terminal, the growth of cruisers observed in recent years at the port of Quebec will be easier to manage,” said Sébastien Proulx, minister of education, recreation and sports, and responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region. “The ability to accommodate more large vessels means more revenue for the Quebec Port Authority and greater benefits for the city and region. This initiative also sends a positive signal to influential players in the international cruise industry regarding Québec's interest in developing this sector of activity.”
Québec will be the only turnaround port in the Saint Lawrence region that will be able to accommodate ships of more than 4,000 passengers. Hence, the construction is expected to generate approximately CAN$22 million in gross domestic product economic benefits and provide employment for more than 325 people.
“Quebec is fortunate to have a community mobilised for the growth of the cruise industry and which has set the goal of welcoming 400,000 visitors in 2025,” said Mario Girard, president and CEO of the port of Quebec. “As Quebec City is the only destination that can accommodate the next generation of ships with more than 4,000 passengers boarding the ship, this strategic investment will propel the future growth of the Saint Lawrence region.”