Port in the city: a new format and more contact with the public

The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) completely changed the format of its annual Port in the City event. The new version, which recently wrapped up, was a big hit. We are delighted to report that so many of you met with us to learn more about our activities and tour our facilities.

Rooted in the heart of the city since it was founded, the Port of Montreal is an urban port par excellence. That makes it a priority for the MPA to foster harmonious community relations. The local population is often unfamiliar with ports. Our approach specifically aims to make the port world better known.

Our commitment to making port operations and projects better known paid off. The new format made it possible for us to reach thousands of people. Instead of a guided cruise on the river, we went to meet residents at many events organized in the neighbourhoods bordering our facilities, including Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Mercier-Est and Old Montreal. We were at the Hochelaga sidewalk sale, the Diableries de Contrecœur and Branle-Bas d’Hochelaga, and we put on nautical picnics at the Grand Quay.

Our assessment of the event is very positive and lets us affirm that it was a success. Close to 5,000 people interacted with our ambassadors at our interactive container, a temporary booth specially designed to bring the Port of Montreal and its various business segments to the public. Residents were able to enjoy information on the products that go through the Port and the Port’s role in the regional and national economy, games of skill, tons of snacks and the chance to win an AML cruise.

In addition to bringing the port to their neighbourhood, we brought our neighbours to the port! Close to 400 people boarded our tour buses for a guided tour of the terminals, jointly organized with our partners Termont and MGTP—a new experience for the city dwellers who live near the Port but who probably never had the opportunity to see it up close and personal.

“Thanks to this new concept, we were able to show our activities and tell you about the Port’s founding role and the unique engine it is for the City of Montreal. Thank you for coming out in such large numbers to meet us. See you next year!”—Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the MPA.

Watch the video of the Port in the City event here: https://youtu.be/XZMOtScWwgo