Category: Press releases

The Port of Sept-Îles and Microbrasserie La Compagnie are proud to announce that $7,000 was raised over the past year through sales of Corossol beer.

The amount was announced during the Port’s Big Day, held on August 29 at the Monseigneur-Blanche Terminal, in the presence of numerous community members and partners.

Launched in 2025, Corossol is a charitable beer created through a partnership between the Port of Sept-Îles and Microbrasserie La Compagnie. It pays tribute to Corossol Island, a biodiversity gem located in the heart of the Sept-Îles archipelago, known in particular for its rich seabird population and the presence of little penguins.

A portion of the profits generated from the sale of each Corossol is donated to Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe to support its initiatives aimed at protecting, conserving and promoting the St. Lawrence River and the region’s coastal environments.

For its first year, a total of $7,000 will therefore be donated to Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe.

“We are very proud to see that Corossol generated $7,000 in its first year. It is a great example of a local collaboration that turns a simple gesture, such as buying a locally brewed beer, into a tangible contribution to protecting our territory. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this initiative.”

– Joël Chouinard, Interim President and CEO, Port of Sept-Îles

“Brewing a beer here, inspired by such an iconic place as Corossol Island, while also giving back to our community is exactly the kind of project we love to undertake. A huge thank you to everyone who chose Corossol and helped make its first year a success.”

– Billy Dumas, Co-owner, Microbrasserie La Compagnie

“We would like to sincerely thank Microbrasserie La Compagnie and the Port of Sept-Îles for their support. For us, this contribution is a recognition of the commitment and efforts made by local organizations for their community. Among other things, these funds will help generate additional knowledge about the habitats of the bay and archipelago, knowledge that is essential to identifying needs and developing concrete, meaningful actions for the area”

– Sarah-Émilie Hébert-Marcoux, Executive Director, Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe

A Partnership That Gives Back

This initiative builds on an ongoing collaboration between the Port of Sept-Îles and Microbrasserie La Compagnie to support local causes and initiatives.

In 2019, their partnership led to the creation of Pointe-Aux-Basques beer, which generated more than $10,000 in donations to local community organizations.

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, 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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Source:

Frédérick Jolicoeur-Tétreault
Director – Communications and Public Relations
Port of Sept-Îles

Tel.: 418-965-3764
ftetreault@portsi.com

SEPT-ÎLES, JUNE 22, 2026 – The Port of Sept-Îles is pleased to announce a financial contribution of $350,000 toward the construction of the new arena for the City of Sept-Îles.

During a site visit attended by Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Minister and Member of the National Assembly for Duplessis, and Benoit Méthot, Mayor of Sept-Îles, the Port’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Joël Chouinard, confirmed the Port Authority’s commitment to this major community project.

Quotes

“The new arena is an investment in our community’s quality of life, attractiveness, and vitality. As an essential piece of infrastructure for community development, it will provide residents with a modern gathering place for sports, events, and community activities. Through this contribution, the Port of Sept-Îles reaffirms its commitment to supporting transformative projects that generate lasting benefits for the entire community.”

– Joël Chouinard, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Port of Sept-Îles

“When I committed to supporting this project in 2022, I was convinced of its importance for our region. Through a $24 million investment from our government, we helped bring this ambitious project to life. Today, seeing construction well underway fills me with pride. I commend the Port’s commitment to supporting the Sept-Îles arena. This community-focused facility will become a gathering place and a source of pride that will benefit generations to come.”

– Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Member for Duplessis and Minister of Natural Resources and Forests

“This arena project is the result of strong collaboration between our public and private partners, for the benefit of the entire community. The Port of Sept-Îles has long played a key role in the vitality of our region, and not only from an economic standpoint. Its financial contribution to this transformative project demonstrates a deep commitment to our community and its development. I would like to sincerely thank the Port of Sept-Îles team for this significant support, which will allow young and old alike to remain active and thrive through sport for generations to come.”

– Benoit Méthot, Mayor of the City of Sept-Îles

Valued Partners

The new arena represents a total investment of $78.5 million. The City of Sept-Îles received $20 million in funding from the Government of Québec through the Recreational, Sports and Outdoor Infrastructure Financial Assistance Program, as well as $4 million from the Société du Plan Nord. Rio Tinto IOC and SFP Pointe-Noire are also contributing to the project. With today’s announcement, financial partnerships now total $26.1 million.

About the Project

The new arena will feature an NHL-standard ice rink and an amphitheatre with seating for 1,800 spectators. The facility will be fully accessible, including for individuals with reduced mobility. It will also be equipped with high-performance, energy-efficient refrigeration and ventilation systems that will enhance spectator comfort and allow the arena to operate year-round.

Construction began in the spring of 2025 and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.
A project summary is available on the City of Sept-Îles website under the Leisure and Culture / Arenas section.

Sources:

City of Sept-Îles
Amélie Robillard
Communications Advisor
Tel.: 418-964-3344
amelie.robillard@septiles.ca

Port of Sept-Îles
Frédérick J. Tétreault
Director, Communications and Public Relations
Tel.: 418-965-3764
ftetreault@portsi.com

Sept-Îles, April 23, 2026 – The City of Sept-Îles and the Port of Sept-Îles today announce the launch of the Rivage project, a collaborative initiative aimed at defining a shared vision for the development of the waterfront and the lower-town area.

This strategic territory, composed of lands owned by both the City and the Port of Sept-Îles, will be the subject of a coordinated reflection process to transform it into a dynamic, accessible living environment that reflects the community.

Through the Rivage project, both organizations aim to develop a vibrant and deeply rooted waterfront where Sept-Îles’ identity and local values are reflected through accessible natural spaces, mobility and business infrastructure, and a shared living environment that fosters community gathering.

The Rivage project is based on a co-creation process involving approximately thirty participants with diverse expertise and perspectives, who will contribute to a collective reflection process with the goal of establishing, by the end of the year, a shared vision for waterfront development.

The initiative is supported by the Open Innovation Laboratory (Llio) of Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup, which specializes in coordinating this type of initiative.

The Sept-Îles community will also be engaged in a later phase of the process, which will ultimately lead to the development of a master plan aimed at ensuring the harmonious, structured, and sustainable development of the waterfront area.

“The Rivage project is a continuation of the 2022 public consultation process. Building on the ideas and projects that were submitted, we aim to refine the vision by bringing together key stakeholders to co-develop planning directions and priorities. The objective is to make our waterfront a true gathering place that reflects Sept-Îles and its maritime culture,” said Mr. Joël Chouinard, Acting President and CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles.

“Throughout its history, this lower-town area, closely tied to the maritime identity of our city, has always been a place of encounters and gatherings. Given its symbolic value and the strong attachment of Sept-Îles residents to the waterfront, it is essential that we enhance this heritage by developing a shared vision that will guide our future interventions in this area,” said Mr. Benoit Méthot, Mayor of Sept-Îles.

“It is a true privilege for LLIO to put its expertise and collaborative tools at the service of the Sept-Îles community. From the very first workshop, and in continuity with previous initiatives, participants did not hesitate to think big, and it is precisely this kind of civic engagement that makes us proud to support the Port, the City, and their partners in developing an ambitious vision for the redevelopment of the waterfront,” state Mr. Jean-François Jasmin and Ms. Marie-Amélie Dubé, Project Managers at LLIO.

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Sources:

Frédérick Tétreault
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Port of Sept-Îles
Tel.: 418-965-3764
ftetreault@portsi.com

Amélie Robillard
Communications Advisor
City of Sept-Îles
Tel.: 418-964-3344
amelie.robillard@septiles.ca

Jean-François Jasmin
Projet Manager
CCTT – LLio
Tel.: 514291-9453
jeanfrancois.jasmin@llio.quebec

Sept-Îles, January 22, 2026 – The Port of Sept-Îles (PSI) announced that it surpassed 40 million tonnes of cargo handled in 2025, setting a new record. This announcement was made on January 21 during the first edition of Le Grand Rendez-vous du Port, attended by nearly a hundred partners.

With a total volume of 40,080,194 tonnes, compared to 38,510,806 tonnes in 2024, the Port reached a new peak and confirmed the strength of its operations. “Surpassing 40 million tonnes is an exceptional achievement. More than just a number, it reflects the commitment, expertise, and know-how of the Port of Sept-Îles team, as well as the essential contribution of our valued logistics partners. This collective success strengthens the Port’s role as a driver of the regional economy,” said Alexandra Chouinard, President and CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles.

Sustained Performance Throughout the Year

Beyond the annual total, 2025 was marked by unprecedented operational consistency. The Port recorded the four best quarters in its history since 1999, confirming stable performance despite a demanding logistics context.

The fourth quarter of 2025 alone was the best ever recorded, with 11,032,904 tonnes handled. December 2025 also ranks as the second-best December since 1974, totaling 3,501,296 tonnes.

Interestingly, the new tonnage record includes a new partner, as the Port handled 570,874 tonnes of ore for ArcelorMittal through special transshipment operations. These operations are the tangible result of the collaboration agreement signed between the mining company and PSI in January 2025.

A New Era for the Port of Sept-Îles

2025 also marks the start of Alexandra Chouinard’s tenure as President and CEO. She succeeds Pierre D. Gagnon, who led the Port for 24 years, becoming the youngest leader in the Canadian maritime industry. Her strategic vision focuses on market diversification, sustainable development, and human capital development to support the growth of the Port and its communities.

Sustainable Development

In 2025, the Port of Sept-Îles contributed more than $332,000 in donations and sponsorships, including $107,900 dedicated to Indigenous community initiatives. These contributions support social, cultural, and environmental projects in the regions of Sept-Îles, Port-Cartier, and Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, reflecting the Port’s commitment to the development and well-being of the communities it serves.

The Port also established its first permanent Citizen Committee, promoting transparent dialogue with the public. In the same spirit, it launched the Blue 5-Star Program, recognizing vessels with outstanding efforts to reduce emissions and underwater noise, and continued the Enviro-Actions project, which monitors the environmental conditions of the Sept-Îles Bay in near real-time.

Strategic Projects and Partnerships

At the Monseigneur-Blanche terminal, modernization works continued in 2025 and are scheduled for completion by the end of summer 2026. The Mishtanapeu Atshapi Pavilion, inaugurated in September in collaboration with IITUM and the City of Sept-Îles, now serves as a cultural and symbolic reception space, illustrating the partnership with the Innu community and openness to the Nitassinan territory.

The Port also strengthened several strategic collaborations for future projects. Work began with the Pointe-Noire Railway and Port Company (SFPPN) on a capacity plan for the Pointe-Noire sector to support activity growth and infrastructure optimization. Large-scale project studies were also launched with Aluminerie Alouette, which will continue in 2026 to support long-term development.

In terms of innovation and skills development, collaboration with the Cégep de Sept-Îles intensified, with pilot technology projects aimed at improving port safety and operational efficiency, including the use of robotic tools for infrastructure inspection.

International Reach

On the international stage, the five Canadian Saint-Lawrence port authorities signed a collaboration agreement with North Sea Port to stimulate trade between the Saguenay–Saint-Lawrence corridor and Northern Europe, while promoting innovation and sustainable maritime transport.

The Port of Sept-Îles also led an economic mission to Japan, visiting Osaka, Tokyo, and Oita, strengthening relationships with partners such as Marubeni, Mitsubishi, and Nippon Steel, and promoting high-purity iron from the Labrador Trough in Asian markets.

About the Port of Sept-Îles

Equipped with diverse and high-performing facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is the largest bulk mineral port in North America. It is also recognized as the main port terminal for the primary aluminum industry in the Americas.Playing a strategic role in the economy of eastern Canada, PSI is a pioneer in sustainable development, thanks to the establishment of the first environmental monitoring observatory on the Saint Lawrence and a research chair with Laval University focused on coastal ecosystems and port activities.

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Source :

Frédérick J. Tétreault
Director – Communications and Public Relations
Port of Sept-Îles
Tel.: 418 965-3764
ftetreault@portsi.com

Sept-Îles, Tuesday, June 17, 2025 – The result of a partnership between the Port of Sept-Îles and La Compagnie Microbrewery, Corossol is a new charitable beer that pays tribute to Corossol Island, a jewel of biodiversity at the heart of the Sept-Îles archipelago. Known for its rich birdlife, the island is notably home to the iconic razorbills.

For each Corossol beer sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local organization working to protect marine and coastal environments. In 2025, funds raised will go to the ZIP Committee Côte-Nord du Golfe, a key player in regional environmental conservation.

“The Port of Sept-Îles is proud to launch Corossol beer, a project aligned with our mission to protect the bay and engage with the community. Choosing the ZIP Committee Côte-Nord du Golfe as the beneficiary was a natural fit given its central role in preserving the St. Lawrence ecosystem,” said Pierre D. Gagnon, President and CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles.

“These funds will support our conservation efforts for coastal and marine environments in the Sept-Îles region. Historically, the ZIP Committee CNG, in partnership with many local organizations, has worked to enhance the value of the archipelago and the bay. This financial support will allow us to continue our efforts,” said Sarah-Émilie Hébert-Marcoux, Executive Director of the ZIP Committee Côte-Nord du Golfe.

“Some projects just speak to you right away. When we heard that our beer could help protect the environment, we said yes without hesitation. We’re proud that Corossol is helping to make a real difference for the bay and the species that call it home,” said Billy Dumas, co-owner of La Compagnie Microbrewery.

This is not the first collaboration between the Port and La Compagnie. Back in 2019, they joined forces to launch Pointe-Aux-Basques beer, which raised over $10,000 for local community organizations.

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Source :

Frédérick J.Tétreault
Director – Communications and Public Relations
Port of Sept-Îles
Tél. : 418 965-3764
ftetreault@portsi.com

Sept-Îles, Monday, June 16, 2025 – In keeping with its commitment to transparency, dialogue, and sustainable development, the Port of Sept-Îles is proud to announce the creation of its very first Citizens’ Committee. This initiative aims to foster open and constructive dialogue with the local population.

A Space for Dialogue in an Engaged Community

The Citizens’ Committee will serve as a representative, inclusive, and participatory forum. It will give residents of Sept-Îles the opportunity to share their concerns, ideas, and aspirations with the goal of directly influencing the Port’s projects and strategic direction. “With this Citizens’ Committee, we want to create a transparent and respectful dialogue space where every voice can be heard. This is a direct invitation to the community to play an active role in port life and to help shape a harmonious development aligned with local concerns and aspirations,” says Frédérick Jolicoeur-Tétreault, Director of Communications and Public Relations at the Port of Sept-Îles.

Why Get Involved?

• To make your voice heard

• To help improve the quality of local life

• To build a lasting relationship between the Port and the community

Everyone is welcome to apply—regardless of age, profession, or background. Whether you’re a student, retiree, worker, job seeker, or entrepreneur, your contribution matters.

How to Participate?

Simply complete the application form now available here.  Full details on the committee’s structure, operations, and objectives are available there.

About the Port of Sept-Îles
Boasting diverse, state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is North America’s largest ore-handling port, with a projected volume for 2025 of over 40 million metric tons. It is also recognized as the largest primary aluminum port terminal in the Americas in terms of operational volume. The facilities at the Port of Sept-Îles play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. The Port is also deeply committed to sustainable development and has pioneered the first environmental observatory on the St. Lawrence to monitor the marine ecosystem, as well as a research chair with Université Laval to study coastal ecosystems and port operations.

Source:
Frédérick J. Tétreault
Director – Communications and Public Relations
Port of Sept-Îles
Tel: 418 965-3764
ftetreault@portsi.com

Sept-Îles, April 28, 2025 — The Port of Sept-Îles is proud to announce a financial commitment of $30,000 per year over the next five years to support the Meals on Wheels program at Centre d’action bénévole (CAB) le Virage. This renewed partnership will help ensure the continuity and quality of this essential service, which delivers healthy, balanced meals to the homes of seniors and those who are semi-independent or in vulnerable situations.

« We’re very pleased to renew our commitment to CAB le Virage, a long-standing partner, and help maintain an essential service for our community. The professionalism and commitment of the volunteers at CAB le Virage are a true source of inspiration, and we wish to support their efforts to improve the quality of life of beneficiaries, in particular by providing healthy, comforting meals to those who need them most », said Pierre D. Gagnon, president and CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles.

«This funding is essential for us to meet the growing demand while absorbing food cost increases. Thanks to the support of the Port of Sept-Îles, we can continue to provide a stable, quality service for the people who depend on it every day », added Maxime Pineault, president of CAB le Virage.

In addition to its financial support, the Port of Sept-Îles gets actively involved every year during National Volunteer Week, when members of its team join CAB le Virage volunteers to help prepare and deliver meals.

With this new commitment of $150,000, the Port will have provided nearly $285,000 in financial support since 2018 for this service, which is greatly appreciated by the community.

About the Port of Sept-Îles

Boasting diverse, state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is North America’s largest ore-handling port, with a projected volume for 2025 of over 40 million metric tons. It is also recognized as the largest primary aluminum port terminal in the Americas in terms of its business volume and was named Best Specialist Dry Bulk Port or Terminal at the IBJ Awards 2024. The Port is also deeply committed to sustainable development and has pioneered the first environmental observatory on the St. Lawrence to monitor the marine ecosystem as well as a research chair with Université Laval to study coastal ecosystems and port operations. The facilities at the Port of Sept-Îles play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada.

About CAB le Virage
Centre d’action bénévole le Virage is an organization that has been working for many years to alleviate the loneliness and isolation of vulnerable people in Sept-Îles. With the help of dedicated volunteers, CAB le Virage delivers an average of 500 meals a week to its 150 beneficiaries, providing comfort and support to those in need.

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 Sources:
Frédérick J.Tétreault
Communications and Public Relations Director
Port of Sept-Îles
Phone: 418-965-3764
ftetreault@portsi.com

Karoline Gilbert
General Manager
CAB le Virage
Tél : 418-444-2228
direction@cablevirage.org