THUNDER BAY -- More cargo could mean more jobs as the local port authority says the city should expect busy times for the future.
The Thunder Bay Port Authority said 2015 saw the second highest tonnage in the past 15 years, capped by the best December seen since 1998 with two more ships expected to come in before the season closes Jan. 14. CEO Tim Heney said there are also five ships wintering at Keefer Terminal, the most since 2000.
"I think the port has turned a corner. We're going to see these higher tonnages for the foreseeable future," he said.
Ships docked for the winter means around 60 jobs. Add to that the recently reopened grain elevator by Richardson bringing another 60 jobs. The port is also seeing more and more special cargo, which needs more labour than typical cargo like coal or grain.
"It is attracting more jobs," he said.
Water levels are up around three inches, unusual as the port typically sees that level drop around December. Little ice cover means the shipping season could see a quick and early start this spring, the complete opposite from two years ago when ice cover forced the latest start in history.
No ice cover could lead to some evaporation Heney said but Thunder Bay is a naturally deep harbour so it shouldn't see any impacts if that happened.
