Sept-Îles, August 25, 2026 — The Port of Sept-Îles is marking today the official reopening of the Monseigneur-Blanche Terminal, following the completion of a major $37-million modernization project aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of this strategic infrastructure.
Built in 1956, the Monseigneur-Blanche Terminal has, since 2006, been the main terminal used by tugboats providing navigation assistance services and contributing to the safety of vessel movements in the port. It also provides an essential link to the Cruise Terminal, enabling the Port to maintain its cruise ship reception activities.
The project included raising the terminal, constructing three new pile-supported berths for tugboats, and modifying existing protective structures, including riprap and concrete walls. These improvements will better protect the infrastructure against high tides, storms and flooding events, which are expected to become more frequent as climate conditions evolve.
“The reopening of the Monseigneur-Blanche Terminal marks an important milestone for the Port of Sept-Îles and our community. We now have modern, resilient infrastructure that is better suited to current and future realities. It will enable us to continue supporting the maritime operations that are essential to port safety, while maintaining our capacity to welcome cruise passengers. We are proud to have completed this project with the support of our government partners and all the stakeholders who contributed to its success.”
— Joël Chouinard, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Port of Sept-Îles
The project was made possible through $10 million in funding from the Government of Canada and $10 million from the Government of Quebec, supplemented by a $10-million contribution from the Port of Sept-Îles.
“The Monseigneur-Blanche Terminal is an important piece of infrastructure for port operations in Sept-Îles and for the North Shore economy. Its modernization strengthens the reliability and resilience of our maritime infrastructure and contributes to the strength of our supply chains. This is an investment that will benefit the region for decades to come.”
— Bernard Lynch, Chair of the Board of Directors, Port of Sept-Îles
The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec also highlighted the importance of this modernization project for the maritime network and regional economic development.
“Maritime infrastructure plays an essential role in the safety, resilience and prosperity of our communities. Through this investment in the modernization of the Monseigneur-Blanche Terminal, we have helped strengthen the reliability of port operations in Sept-Îles, support supply chains and prepare this infrastructure for the challenges posed by climate change. The Government of Canada is proud to work with its partners to build modern infrastructure that drives economic growth and meets the needs of communities for generations to come.”
— The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
“The Port of Sept-Îles plays a vital role in the maritime industry, the North Shore economy and the development of Quebec as a whole. The modernization of the Monseigneur-Blanche Terminal is an excellent example of essential infrastructure adapting to the impacts of climate change. These upgraded facilities will support the smooth operation of port activities, including tugboat and marine emergency services, while remaining accessible to the people of Sept-Îles. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this major project, which will help shape a strong and prosperous future.”
— Bernard Drainville, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy and Minister Responsible for the Maritime Strategy
“The rehabilitation of the Mgr-Blanche Terminal marks an important milestone in the development and long-term sustainability of the port infrastructure in Sept-Îles. Our government invested $10 million in this project because it will help preserve infrastructure that is essential to port activities and the economic development of our region. I would like to recognize the work of all the teams involved in this major construction project, as well as the collaboration of the Port of Sept-Îles and all its partners.”
— Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Member of the National Assembly for Duplessis
A collective achievement
The Port of Sept-Îles wishes to recognize the contribution of LFG Construction, a local general contractor that carried out the work with rigor and professionalism. The Port would particularly like to thank the team for the quality of its work and for keeping the project on schedule, allowing the infrastructure to return to service within the planned timeframe.
The Port also thanks all the companies, workers, professionals, suppliers and partners who contributed to the completion of this project. Their expertise and collaboration were essential to its success.
“A project of this scale is the result of true teamwork. We are proud of the work accomplished by LFG and by all the companies and partners who came together around this project. Their collaboration allowed us to modernize this important infrastructure while meeting our objectives and schedule,” said the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Sept-Îles.
With its reopening, the Monseigneur-Blanche Terminal is once again fully operational and now features infrastructure better suited to the needs of its users, evolving climate conditions, and the changing nature of Sept-Îles’ port and tourism activities.
About the Port of Sept-Îles
With diverse and high-performance facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is the largest mineral port in North America. It is also recognized as the leading port terminal serving the primary aluminum industry in the Americas. Playing a strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada, the PSI is also a pioneer in sustainable development, notably through the implementation of the first environmental monitoring observatory on the St. Lawrence River and a research chair with Université Laval dedicated to coastal ecosystems and port activities.
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