Civil Municipal - May 2024

Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer, highlights recent successes in the industrial sector that underscore Port Colborne’s economic vitality. “We’re thrilled about a recent $125 million expansion by Jungbunzlauer, a significant investment that reaffirms our city as a key industrial hub,” he shares. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth through substantial corporate investments and supportive city policies. INDUSTRIAL AND MARINE PROSPECTS Port Colborne’s geographical positioning enhances its allure as a residential locale and cements its status as a critical industrial and maritime hub. To this end, Boles highlights the city’s focus on enhancing its multi-modal transport capabilities. “We’re excited about developing a multi-modal hub here in Port Colborne, leveraging our strategic location right at the canal’s entrance,” he shares. This initiative is pivotal as it utilizes the city’s comprehensive transport network, combining rail, canal, and trucking routes, offering seamless logistics solutions that attract various industries. Luey elaborates on the geographic advantages that bolster Port Colborne’s industrial prospects. “Geographically, we are perfectly positioned on the Great Lakes, accessible to Lake Erie year-round, which in milder winters allows for uninterrupted shipping,” he explains. This geographic advantage is complemented by proximity to major transportation hubs, including airports and railroads, enhancing the city’s appeal to businesses requiring extensive logistical networks. One groundbreaking new development for Port Colborne is the recent announcement involving all three levels of government welcoming Asahi Kasei, a globally recognized company out of Japan to set up manufacturing facilities in the city. This intergovernmental announcement represents a $1.56 billion investment in the lithium-ion battery supply chain in Ontario. The company’s new wet-process separator manufacturing facility represents an unprecedented boost to the Niagara economy and the decision to house Asahi Kasei’s state-of-the-art facilities in L ND DEVELOPMENT CONSULT NTS URB N DESIGN I PL NNING I M N GEMENT Building places people love. e maximize value by designing compact, alkable and diverse neighbourhoods using Traditional Neighbourhood Design principles. betterneighbourhoods.ca 146 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05