On a new course!
It is deeply moving for me to write this, my last Logbook editorial! After eleven years as President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority, I am about to turn over the helm to my successor, for I am retiring at the end of December.
Among the countless events and advances that have taken place over these eleven years, few bring me as much pride as the ties that the Port of Montreal was able to forge with its fellow citizens.
That’s because beyond the economic growth we sustained at the hub of our logistics ecosystem and the succession of record-breaking results over the years, in the past decade there has been a pivotal shift at the Port. And that shift has been toward openness, dialogue and the most harmonious cohabitation possible between our operations and the neighbouring communities.
Public spaces were developed at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal, where everyone can enjoy access to the river and the view, soon to be even greater once the observation tower is completed in 2021. A Good Neighbourhood Committee was created together with a City-Port Working Group made up of citizens, representatives of local organizations, municipal representatives and the MPA. We opened our Port Centre, the first of its kind in Quebec, where visitors can learn more about the Port and even explore our facilities in augmented reality. We reviewed our community investment policy, enabling us to support many organizations with a special focus on the neighbourhoods bordering our operations in Montreal and Contrecoeur. There was also the creation of this Logbook, where we give you news about our activities, an open door to the whole marine industry. The first edition came out eleven years ago shortly after I started my job.
This openness is not about to disappear. The Port of Montreal has always been part of this city. A founding pillar of our beautiful metropolis, the Port is a driver of economic development and a responsible corporate citizen. It is a priority for us to be open to urban life and connected to community involvement.
For it has never been truer than now, we’ re all in the same boat! This past year is a perfect example of this. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the entire supply chain come together to keep serving the public. On top of that, we recently launched an artificial intelligence-based system to identify and prioritize containers with critical cargo, namely medical and food products. We’re here for you!
May you weather this crisis with health and a smile. The Port of Montreal will continue to be at the heart of your daily lives for years and decades to come!
Sylvie Vachon