Residents of Contrecoeur rally against the Port of Montreal’s expansion, citing environmental harm as construction moves forward.
Community Pushback Grows in Contrecoeur
Dozens of residents gathered Sunday in Contrecoeur, about 45 kilometres northeast of Montreal, to protest the Port of Montreal’s plan to expand its container terminal. Demonstrators say the project, which would significantly increase freight capacity, poses serious risks to their community and the surrounding environment.
Expansion Plans Move Ahead
The Montreal Port Authority is proceeding with preparatory work on the Contrecoeur site, part of a major expansion expected to handle up to 1.5 million containers annually. The work includes installing fences, building access roads, selective tree cutting, and setting up temporary offices. Dredging the St. Lawrence River—habitat of the endangered copper redhorse fish—remains pending federal approval from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Ottawa’s Rationale and Federal Backing
The project is one of five national infrastructure developments championed by Prime Minister Mark Carney under the Building Canada Act, intended to strengthen trade capacity and supply-chain resilience. Federal officials and port representatives say the expansion meets projected freight demand and supports long-term economic growth.
Residents Challenge National Interest Claim
Opponents argue the Contrecoeur project does not qualify as a matter of national interest under Bill C-5, which prioritizes Canadian autonomy. Critics claim it could instead deepen reliance on foreign trade and circumvent both Quebec and federal environmental regulations.
Hélène Reeves, spokesperson for Vigie citoyenne Port de Contrecoeur, said the premier’s recent remarks calling the St. Lawrence River a “highway” for goods reflect an outdated economic vision. “We can’t keep expanding an economy that destroys ecosystems in the middle of a climate crisis,” Reeves told reporters.
Environmental and Regulatory Concerns
Despite receiving a favourable environmental review, the port project continues to face scrutiny. Environmental advocates warn that dredging the riverbed could endanger fragile aquatic habitats, while increased truck traffic may harm air quality in nearby residential areas.
What Comes Next
With construction preparation already visible on-site, the Port Authority is pressing forward. Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s final decision on river dredging will be critical to determining the project’s pace. Meanwhile, residents vow to continue demonstrations and seek broader provincial support to halt or alter the expansion.
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