Sustainable development

A value anchored in our activities

Sustainable development is a value inherent to the mission of the Montreal Port Authority (MPA). It rises above and beyond the MPA's obligation to conform to various environmental laws and by-laws and reflects its commitment to integrating economic, environmental and social policies into port activities.

The sustainable development policy, approved in June 2010 by the Board, is based on eight guiding principles:

1. To ensure responsible management by the organization
2. To increase contributions to the local community
3. To promote responsible communication and engage our stakeholders
4. To provide a safe and stimulating work environment
5. To reduce our environmental footprint
6. To ensure that safety and security remain core operating values
7. To become a leading force in areas of sustainable development
8. To ensure the Port of Montreal’s economic mission

As a founding member of Green Marine, a voluntary program for the Canadian and American marine industry, and a member of the international Green Award program since 2009, the MPA has also set up working groups to support sustainable initiatives:

• Sustainable transportation group
• Sustainable development awareness group
• Responsible communications group
• Energy efficiency group
• Air quality and emissions group

Concrete action, every day

Every day, the MPA paves the way for a sustainable port through concrete action. Here are just a few examples:

Good neighbour relations

• Greening projects along dockside facilities
• Green spaces given back to the local community. For example: Promenade Bellerive in Montreal's east end and access to other dockside areas to allow for bike paths
• Noise and lighting restrictions in various port areas after 7 p.m.
• Noise restrictions on terminal sirens and alarms 
• Greasing of rail tracks in the Old Port
• Management procedure to handle citizen complaints

Community Relations

• Creation of a community liaison committee and regular meetings to discuss various work projects on the port’s territory
• Various activities to create awareness about the port: 
  • Participation in events such as the Montreal Classic Boat Festival, Maritime Career Day, Les journées de la culture, etc.
  • Hosting group visits and presentations
  • Publication of the electronic “Logbook” (Carnet de bord)

Social involvement

• Support for youth and family organizations as well as organizations that help the needy in neighbouring port communities
• Support for local fundraising activities:
  • Mira Foundation’s printer cartridges/cellular recycling program
  • Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Kidney Car Program
  • OPEQ program (computers for schools)

Environmental footprint

• Environmental compliance audit on MPA activities every three years
• The inclusion of port environmental clauses in tenant leases
• Soil, groundwater, waste water and surface water management program
• The monitoring of air quality and emissions associated with port activities
• The gradual upgrade of maintenance and security vehicles to hybrid vehicles
• The replacement of MPA locomotives with multiple-generator locomotives