Category: Press releases

Sept-Îles, August 18, 2021 – The Port of Sept-Îles and Microbrasserie La Compagnie are pleased to announce that, following their initial donation of $2,000 in December 2019, they have made a second donation of $3,000 to L’Envol-Maison de la famille from the sale of Pointe aux Basques beer.

Two years ago, at its open house event on the Mgr-Blanche wharf, the Port of Sept-Îles and Microbrasserie La Compagnie proudly unveiled a brand new commemorative beer called “Pointe aux Basques.” The new brew was the result of a joint initiative to mark the local port authority’s 20th anniversary. For each beer sold, the Port of Sept-Îles and Microbrasserie La Compagnie also pledged to make a donation to a community organization that supports families in Sept-Îles.

To continue this wonderful initiative with other local family support organizations, the Port of Sept-Îles and Microbrasserie La Compagnie are pleased to announce that their next donation will go to À La Source, which offers childbirth and breastfeeding support as well as accommodations for families from outside the region who come to Sept-Îles in anticipation of a birth.

“This partnership with Microbrasserie La Compagnie has exceeded all our expectations! We continue to believe in the importance of supporting organizations that help families, especially during this pandemic. We’re very happy that we’ve been able to help families who rely on L’Envol-Maison de la famille. This organization is a godsend for our community. The help and support it provides is invaluable, and we’re very proud of it. We’re thrilled about our new partnership with À la Source and hope we can meet some of the organization’s financial needs through the sale of this charity beer so that employees and volunteers can focus on client needs and not on fundraising,” said Pierre D. Gagnon, president and CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles.

“The entire La Compagnie team was proud to support L’Envol-Maison de la Famille through its day-to-day work. This was our first time getting involved in supporting a community organization. It gives us great pleasure to continue our mission to help families in the region, in partnership with the Port of Sept-Îles. We’re honoured to continue brewing Pointe aux Basques beer. To support us in our mission, all Sept-Îles residents have to do is enjoy it and drink it in moderation. There are worse things in life than sipping good beer for a good cause! We at La Compagnie brew beer for the people around here. We’re proud to carry on this tradition with À la Source,” said Billy Dumas, co-owner of La Compagnie.

“L’Envol-Maison de la Famille has been around for over 30 years! Through its mission, it has helped thousands of families over the years. We’re there for our families so they can be the best version of themselves and live their best lives. We put tools in place and find viable, realistic solutions to the situations they encounter in their daily lives,” said Bernice Villeneuve, executive director of the family organization.

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 and the third largest in the country, with an expected volume of close to 36 million tonnes in 2021. It is also recognized as the largest primary aluminum port terminal in the Americas in terms of business volume. The port facilities at Sept-Îles play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. The Port of Sept-Îles established the first environmental observatory in the St. Lawrence marine ecosystem. Sustainable development is a cornerstone of its values and actions.

About Microbrasserie La Compagnie

Microbrasserie La Compagnie is a craft brewery that makes and sells beer inspired by the industrial history of Sept-Îles. The company opened its doors at 15 rue du Père-Divet in December 2018 and sells its beer in a pub adjacent to the brewery. The pub also boasts a menu of simple and original dishes showcasing the flavours of the North Shore. The company has become a must-visit attraction in the region.

Sources :

Billy Dumas
Co-owner
Microbrasserie La Compagnie
Tel. 418 961-2337

Patsy Keays
Director, Corporate Affaires & Corporate Secretary
Port of Sept-Îles
Tel. 418 961-1235 | Cell. 418 965-7434
pkeays@portsi.com

Sept-Îles, July 13, 2021 – At a press conference this morning, Ville de Sept-Îles and the Port of Sept-Îles announced a partnership resulting in a financial contribution of $260,000 on behalf of the Port in the town’s Parc Aylmer-Whittom redevelopment project.

“Parc Aylmer-Whittom is one of our region’s real natural treasures. Its location along the bay is ideal, and everyone loves it. So when the idea of adding a maritime theme to the family play area was suggested, we immediately indicated that we wanted to contribute,” said Port of Sept-Îles president and chief executive officer Pierre D. Gagnon. “Adding interpretation panels that remind visitors of the rich maritime history of the Bay of Sept-Îles, from the days of the first Basque visitors to Jacques Cartier’s arrival in 1635 until today, will enhance the visitor experience.”

In addition to Port of Sept-Îles’ sizable contribution, the project will receive $100,000 from Fonds d’initiatives Nordiques according to Société du Plan Nord’s July 2 announcement.

Project summary

The redevelopment project aims to breathe new life into Parc Aylmer-Whittom, a site highly prized by locals and visitors alike. Work will begin in May 2022 and will include a complete overhaul of the reception area, which will get an entrance gate and a new sanitary building built to blend in with the landscape.

In the heart of the park, children will enjoy a safe new maritime-themed play area with novel facilities, including updated miniature houses. But the undeniable highpoint of this new family area will be a huge, 10-meter-long ship where budding explorers and pirates can take off on adventures!

As Sept-Îles mayor Réjean Porlier said, families have always been this project’s focus. He is “convinced that the improvements to ‘Squirrels Park’ will allow future generations to make their own indelible memories and enjoy nature in an exceptional environment just a stone’s throw from town.” He also stressed how important the park is as a tourist attraction: “It has everything tourists are looking for when they arrive in Sept-Îles.”

Other improvements include redoing the paths so they are less steep, removing the wooden stairs and bridges to make the park more accessible, and installing new signs and interpretation panels on the park’s paths and the Sentiers de la nature.

The total redevelopment cost is $1.1 million. Work should start in May and be completed in August 2022.

About Aylmer Whittom

At the press conference, Réjean Porlier and Pierre D. Gagnon stressed the importance of Aylmer Whittom’s bequest to Sept-Îles. An energetic man concerned about his fellow citizen’s well-being, Whittom was actively involved in the community and a city council member from 1973 to 2003. His legacy includes social housing, better quality of life for seniors, and tourism development projects. And it was Whittom who was responsible for getting development started at the mouth of Rivière des Rapides in 1975, turning the area into the park we know today and that was named after him a few years ago.

Presentation of the revitalization project (in french only) : PAW_Présentation-du-projet-de-revitalisation2

Sources :

Amélie Robillard
Communications Advisor
Ville de Sept-Îles
Tel. 418 964-3344 | Cell. 418 409-0783

Patsy Keays
Director, Corporate Affaires & Corporate Secretary
Port of Sept-Îles
Tel. 418 961-1235 | Cell. 418 965-7434
pkeays@portsi.com

Sept-Îles – June 14, 2021 – The Port of Sept-Îles has joined forces with Ste-Marguerite Golf Club for a “green” project to reforest part of the course that was severely damaged by the spruce budworm.

The partnership
In the past several years, the ravages of the spruce budworm have destroyed many of the Golf Club’s trees. Driven by its environmental commitment, the Port of Sept-Îles has decided to offer the Club 35 mature trees in 2021. The partnership will last three years, allowing the Club to plant more than 100 trees thanks to the Port’s support (worth $15,000).

The Club will revive the golf course’s landscape by planting 8- to 9-foot deciduous trees such as oak and red maple. And thanks to the Port’s generous contribution, these trees will be purchased locally.

“The Club’s volunteers started planting the trees last week. Some will be planted near the parking lot to give the players more privacy and others will be planted in between holes 7 and 9,” said Anthony Demers, the Club’s professional.

More than 10 years ago, the Port of Sept-Îles joined the Alliance Verte environmental program, which encourages its participants to adopt eco-friendly technologies and practices. The partnership with the Golf Club is one way for the Port to improve the community’s well-being by donating more than 100 trees by 2023. This reforestation project will recover nearly 18 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

“The Port of Sept-Îles wants to encourage environmental protection and environmental initiatives in the region. This is why we are pleased to support this reforestation effort, which promotes carbon sequestration and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Pierre D. Gagnon, CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles.

About the Ste-Marguerite Golf Club
Located about 35 km west of Sept-Îles, Ste-Marguerite Golf Club has an 18-hole, par-72 course. The Club has an average of 375 members and plays host to more than 2,500 golfers from just about everywhere. The Club offers a range of golf-related services: golf school, boutique, practice course, cart and equipment rentals, restaurant and bar service.

About the Port of Sept-Îles
Boasting diverse, state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is the biggest ore-handling port in North America, with an anticipated volume of almost 40 million tonnes in 2020. The Port facilities at Sept-Îles play a vital and strategic role in Eastern Canada’s economy. The Port is also deeply committed to sustainable development, pioneering the first environmental observatory on the St. Lawrence to monitor the marine ecosystem.

Sources :

Patsy Keays
Director, Corporate Affairs
Port of Sept-Îles
418 961-1235
pkeays@portsi.com

Anthony Demers
Golf Professionnal
Ste-Marguerite Golf Club
418 583-2844, extension 2

SEPT-ÎLES, February 25, 2021 – Today the Port of Sept-Îles is announcing a major financial partnership with L’Âtre de Sept-Îles involving a $30,000 donation spread out over three years ($10,000 a year). During the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected us all for over a year, the Port wants to support organizations offering assistance to members of the community experiencing mental health issues.

In cooperation with Centre d’intervention le Rond-Point, L’Âtre de Sept-Îles will use the funds to hire an outreach worker whose main task will be to work in the field with target populations to find solutions to problems they face.

This will include an assistance and referral service for people age 25 and over in the Sept-Îles area who are struggling with a range of problems requiring direct, regular, or intermittent support in the community.

L’Âtre de Sept-Îles and Centre d’intervention le Rond-Point will pool their expertise to help members of this age group in the RCM who need support services. Both organizations will provide clinical supervision, but the outreach worker will be employed by and work out of L’Âtre de Sept-Îles.

“L’Âtre de Sept-Îles and Centre d’intervention le Rond-Point have years of experience on the ground dealing with people struggling with mental health problems,” explained Mélanie Martel, President of L’Âtre de Sept-Îles. “We’ll work together to ensure this project’s success on behalf of the people who so badly need it. I’d like to thank the Port of Sept-Îles for helping to fund this project.”

“We were happy to approve this $30,000 contribution to L’Âtre de Sept-Îles,” said Pierre Gagnon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port de Sept-Îles. “The outreach worker will provide an essential service to some of those struggling with mental health issues, especially during the pandemic. No one is immune to mental illness. We support L’Âtre de Sept-Îles’s efforts to ensure the well-being of our community. This financial assistance will help it lay the groundwork for an essential service at a time of clear and pressing need.”

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 an expected volume of close to 40 million tonnes in 2021. The port facilities at Sept-Îles play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. The Port of Sept-Îles established the first environmental observatory in the St. Lawrence marine ecosystem. Sustainable development is a cornerstone of its values and actions.

ABOUT L’ÂTRE DE SEPT-ÎLES

L’Âtre de Sept-Îles is an alternative residential resource and outreach centre designed to meet the needs of people living with mental health problems. Our mission is to provide board, lodging, and outreach services to people with mental health problems to facilitate their social reintegration. We also work to promote the physical and mental well-being of residents on the North Shore and work with community organizations. We welcome adults going through a period of instability and help them reintegrate into the community.

ABOUT CENTRE D’INTERVENTION LE ROND-POINT

Centre d’intervention le Rond-Point (CIRP) is a nonprofit community organization. Its addiction service provides housing, support, and assistance to people living with alcohol, drug, medication, and gaming addictions and works with young people age 12 to 25 through intervention, with a focus on support and prevention. Its sexual health component helps communities encourage healthy behaviors to prevent STBBIs, hepatitis, and HIV and educates North Shore residents about homophobia and transphobia. CIRP also provides a warm and friendly welcome, including activities, food assistance, and referral services.

Source :

Patsy Keays
Director, Corporate Affairs
Port of Sept-Îles
418 961-1235
pkeays@portsi.com

SEPT-ÎLES, January 5, 2021 – Flying the flag of the Netherlands, the M/V Erasmusgracht arriving from Lake Charles, Louisiana, was the first ship of 2021, with arrival at 3:30 p.m. on January 2. The ship was in ballast and will be leaving today for Barranquilla, Colombia with a cargo of 10,500 tonnes of aluminum sows from Alouette. Owned by Spliethoff, the ship has a crew of 13 sailors on board.

Due to the health restrictions in effect with the COVID-19 pandemic, the prestigious cane bearing the image of the Port of Sept-Îles was given to Captain Jaap de Boon by Fundy Shipping’s shipping agent. The traditional New Year ceremony at the Port, where the maritime industry and the Sept-Îles business community usually gather to mark the first ship, could not take place due to the pandemic.

Now in its 34th year, the tradition marks the arrival of the first ship of the year to call at the port. To be eligible, the vessel must come directly from a foreign country and be bound for a foreign destination.

2020 PRELIMINARY RESULTS

The Port would like to take the opportunity to unveil the preliminary results for the year. Despite an unusual year with the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 will be the second-best year in terms of tonnage since 1974, and the best year since the creation of the Port Authority in 1999, with 33.1 million metric tonnes handled.

REGARDING THE PORT OF SEPT-ÎLES CANE

Let us recall that it was on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the award in 2012 that the traditional gold-headed cane was specially revamped to now present a more contemporary version of this coveted international maritime award. Since then, through the selection of its various components and its renewed design, it has honoured and enhanced the pillars of the region’s industries which operate through port infrastructures. Inspired by a 3D version of the Port of Sept-Îles logo, this new edition of the polished and anodized aluminum cane is stylishly reminiscent of the blue highway. The redesigned pommel supports an iron ore rock whose lustre is reflected in an acrylic hemisphere. The distinctive component of gold has not been overlooked in the new concept of the trophy. The seven stars illustrated on the logo of the Port of Sept-Îles and recalling the seven islands in the bay have been reproduced in 10-karat gold on the ring of the cane.

REGARDING 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 an anticipated volume of close to 38 million tonnes for 2021. It is also recognized as the most important port terminal for the primary aluminum industry in the Americas for its volume of activity. The port facilities at Sept-Îles play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. The Port is also deeply committed to sustainable development, pioneering the first environmental observatory on the St. Lawrence to monitor the maritime ecosystem.

Source :

Patsy Keays
Director, Corporate Affairs
Port of Sept-Îles
418 961-1235
pkeays@portsi.com

SEPT-ÎLES, DECEMBER 16, 2020 – Today, as the Port of Sept-Îles presents its $10,000 donation to Chantier Jeunesse Loisirs, the Port would like to stress once again how proud it is to be a partner of this organization and to help fund its activities and operations on behalf of children ages 5 to 12 in the Ferland area. This donation on the eve of the holidays is part of the major pledge the Port made last year to give the organization a total of $30,000 between 2019 and 2021.

Chantier Jeunesse Loisirs gives children ages 5 to 12 the chance to take part in woodworking, DIY repairs, sewing, painting, and cooking courses, as well as creative and Christmas-themed projects. The goal is to teach children simple craft techniques to help them develop skills, inventiveness, and creativity. The Chantier Jeunesse Loisirs team also helps children see the benefits of pursuing hobbies in a relaxed and creative atmosphere.

Chantier Jeunesse Loisirs would like to thank the entire Port of Sept-Îles team for their generosity and support for this project. “Without partnerships like this, our organization simply could not go on, especially in these trying times,” said Ian Roussel, President of Chantier Jeunesse Loisirs. “In addition to supporting us financially, the Port of Sept-Îles has shown us it believes in our project and really understands our cause to help youth. Despite the pandemic, our organization is still going strong and we have some exciting projects on the horizon, if the situation permits, naturally.”

“Chantier Jeunesse Loisirs provides a space where parents and children can talk, focusing on prevention of certain social issues and encouraging healthy life habits while revitalizing the neighbourhood,” said Pierre Gagnon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Sept-Îles. These goals are clearly consistent with our donation and contribution policy as well as our values, and we’re happy to provide support that makes a difference.”

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 an expected volume of close to 35 million tonnes in 2020. The port facilities at Sept-Îles play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. The Port of Sept-Îles established the first environmental observatory in the St. Lawrence marine ecosystem. Sustainable development is a cornerstone of its values and actions.

ABOUT CHANTIER JEUNESSE LOISIRS
Chantier Jeunesse Loisirs is a non-profit organization that has served the Parc Ferland area for more than 40 years. Every year, more than 200 children enjoy a variety of courses in woodworking, sewing, cooking, and DIY repair. Founded by Sister Ginette Simard around 1976, this organization is still going strong and still giving back to the community after all these years.

Source :

Patsy Keays
Director, Corporate Affairs
Port of Sept-Îles
418 961-1235
pkeays@portsi.com

SEPT-ÎLES, December 7, 2020 – The Port of Sept-Îles is proud to announce that it has already shipped 30 million tons of goods this year, with a month still remaining in 2020. This is the highest volume shipped since the golden age of the 1970s, when the Port was the second busiest in Canada.

This important milestone is all the more noteworthy for the Port in these pandemic times, when it is so vital to maintain international trade and economic activities, and when the resilience of individuals is so crucial to weathering the global crisis.

Behind each and every one of the tonnes of goods handled this year are men and women working at every level in the logistics chains that keep the Port running. Together they account for more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs at the Port and in the surrounding areas.

“Whether they work in mining or the rail industry, at Aluminerie Alouette, in local factories or small businesses, or at the Port itself, they all deserve to be recognized for their contributions to achieving this historic milestone and future growth of the Port,” said President and CEO Pierre D. Gagnon.

The symbolic 30 millionth tonne will ship out from the Port on its 45-day trip to China aboard the C. VISION from Quebec Iron Ore.

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 an anticipated volume of close to 35 million tonnes for 2020. The port facilities at Sept-Îles play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. The Port is also deeply committed to sustainable development, pioneering the first environmental observatory on the St. Lawrence to monitor the maritime ecosystem.

You can also see a short video shot while loading the C. Vision by clicking here.

Source :

Patsy Keays
Director, Corporate Affairs
Port of Sept-Îles
418 961-1235
pkeays@portsi.com

SEPT-ÎLES, November 18, 2020 – Today the Port of Sept-Îles was pleased to announce $78,000 in funding for Le Virage, or $26,000 per year over three years. This funding will support the volunteer action centre’s meals-on-wheels program, an essential service appreciated by the community.

In early fall 2018, the Port allocated $55,000 over two years to help Le Virage restart the program, a service many people in our community have come to rely on.

Since then, the program has grown in popularity and, to meet ever-increasing demand, Le Virage has designed, built, and equipped a new kitchen right in its own building and hired a cook, assistant cook, and general help.

This new funding will provide stability and the funds the organization needs to buy food to prepare meals-on-wheels meals. It will also:

• Enable Le Virage to prepare meals on its own
• Reduce the financial burden of daily food costs for Le Virage
• Keep the minimum fee for participants at $6.50
• Ensure participants receive quality meals
• Offset increasing grocery costs
• Help participants stay in their own homes
• Prepare for an expected increase in demand for the program

The Port is confident that the professionalism, commitment, and quality of the centre’s resources bode well for the success of the program. The Le Virage team is a model for volunteerism to lessen the solitude and isolation experienced by functionally dependent seniors, people with disabilities, and people living alone.

“The Le Virage meals-on-wheels program offers us an opportunity to give back and make a difference in a way that reflects our values,” said Pierre Gagnon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Sept-Îles. “We also want to recognize the important contributions of the program volunteers. We are proud to continue our support for three more years and work with an organization whose services bring comfort and a smile to many members of our community.”

“The Port of Sept-Îles is an important partner for us,” said Maxime Pineault, Chair of the Board of Directors for Le Virage. “Our shared values are helping to build a caring society for our most vulnerable. The Port’s contribution is a great financial help that lets us focus on offering high-quality meals-on-wheels service. Our dishes are delicious and a great comfort to participants. We sincerely thank the Port of Sept-Îles!”

“To express our gratitude and recognize our partner’s substantial support in helping us maintain this outstanding service, the board voted to rename it ‘The Port of Sept-Îles Meals-on-Wheels Program.’ Many thanks to the Port of Sept-Îles,” said Kathleen Côté, general manager of Le Virage.

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 an expected volume of close to 35 million tonnes in 2020. The port facilities at Sept-Îles play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. The Port of Sept-Îles established the first environmental observatory in the St. Lawrence marine ecosystem. Sustainable development is a cornerstone of its values and actions.

ABOUT LE VIRAGE
The volunteer action centre delivers an average of 330 meals each week to 77 participants. These people receive a good, comforting meal every day, delivered to their homes by generous and kindhearted volunteers.

Sources :

Patsy Keays
Director, Corporate Affairs
Port of Sept-Îles
418 961-1235
pkeays@portsi.com

Kathleen Côté
General Manager
Le Virage volunteer action center
418 444-2228

Sept-Îles, November 13, 2020 – This Sunday, November 15, 130 children and teens from families that are members of Office municipal d’Habitation de Sept-Îles (OMHSI) will celebrate Christmas early as Santa Claus and his elves knock on their doors to deliver brand new winter clothes.

After several months planning the event, OMHSI had to make adjustments to comply with today’s pandemic-related hygiene measures. “We had initially planned a party where we would give out winter boots and mittens and a small gift. Unfortunately, we can’t all get together, so we decided to distribute the gifts directly to the families’ homes. We worked with Santé publique de la Côte-Nord to make sure the distribution process is safe,” said OMHSI president Guy Berthe.

Our generous partners
This project was made possible by the extreme generosity of SFP Pointe-Noire and the Port of Sept-Îles, which both donated funds for the purchase of winter clothes and gifts.

“At SFP Pointe-Noire, we quickly recognized how important and useful OMHSI’s latest project is. As a local company, we are proud to be able to offer comfortable, safe winter clothes to the children in our community,” said Frédérick Jolicoeur-Tétreault, a communication consultant at SFP Pointe-Noire.

“In keeping with our commitment to help meet the Sept-Îles community’s many needs, the Port of Sept-Îles is happy to help OMHSI with its brilliant initiative to keep kids warm as the holidays approach,” the Port of Sept-Îles announced. “Our youth are our future!”

OMHSI would also like to thank SFP Pointe-Noire, the Port of Sept-îles, Au Petit Chaperon Rouge, Sport expert, L’Envol – Maison de la Famille, and all of our volunteers for their donations and time. These will warm our children’s hearts.

Gift distribution
OMHSI, SFP Pointe-Noire, and the Port of Sept-Îles will meet at 75 rue Mingan at 9 a.m. on Sunday, November 15 to distribute the gifts. The media has been invited to the project launch, where OMH and our partners will grant interviews before the distribution begins. For confidentiality reasons, however, the media will not be allowed to participate in the distribution.

About OMHSI
OMHSI manages and administers housing and housing programs in Sept-Îles. We aim to have a positive impact on our members’ living conditions and to work for the entire community’s well-being.

 

Source :

Guy Berthe
President
Office municipal d’Habitation de Sept-Îles
418 409-6976