Serving citizens
At the heart of the city since its foundation, the Port of Montreal is engaged in the community, committed to fostering harmonious cohabitation and to providing citizens with new high-quality public spaces.
Fighting the pandemic
Thanks to the collaboration of all partners in the supply chain, the Port of Montreal continued to fulfil its role as a public service to society, caring about public health and well-being.
- Year 2 of CargO2ai
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A logistics tool developed out of humanitarian concerns, CargO2ai was used throughout the year to expedite the delivery of essential goods to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, using artificial intelligence. The results of the CargO2ai tool were felt throughout the supply chain. By the end of 2021, close to 7000 containers (13,200 TEUs) were identified by CargO2ai and shipped to consumers. By assisting with critical cargo decisions, the wait time for critical containers between unloading and departure from the terminal was reduced by up to 50% compared to the average wait time for all containers.
By doing this project, the MPA returned to the primary mission of a port infrastructure, which is all the more important in a crisis: to deliver and distribute the goods people need in the most efficient way possible.
- Vaccinating seafarers
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The MPA team was pleased to take part in the collective effort to make it easier for seafarers who call at the Port of Montreal to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, an initiative led by Mariners' House of Montreal and the National Seafarers' Welfare Board. In total, more than 100 seafarers were vaccinated thanks to this collaborative effort.
- Accueil Bonneau at the Grand Quay
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Opened last November in collaboration with Accueil Bonneau and the CIUSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal for people experiencing homelessness, the drop-in centre at the Grand Quay extended its services until May 30, 2021. Over that six-month period, the Grand Quay drop-in centre was able to host 53,779 visits, providing a safe space, a hot meal and a vaccination clinic against COVID-19.
Community investment — a united front at the Port of Montreal
Actively engaged at the heart of the community, the Port of Montreal annually supports some 60 projects through its community investment policy.
Each of the projects or organizations supported must have the potential to create an impact in one of the following sectors of the MPA's community investment policy: socio-economic development (Chic Resto Pop, Maison des enfants de l'île de Montréal); education related to the St. Lawrence River (Maritime Institute of Quebec Foundation, Blue Metropolis Foundation), and the environment (Sentier urbain, C-Vert).
In addition, Port of Montreal teams are involved in the community through fundraising events such as the MS Bike Tour for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, the Guignolée de Contrecœur, the distribution of Christmas baskets for the Women's Centre of Montreal, and the Desgagnés Kayak Challenge for Young Musicians of the World.
In an effort to promote harmonious cohabitation with the people residing near its facilities, MPA teams actively participated in several round tables (Assomption Sud-Longue-Pointe, Bridge-Bonaventure and Old Montreal sectors) and cohabitation meetings.
"I enjoy meeting citizens, understanding their concerns and being able to interact and exchange views. We draw inspiration from them to improve our activities. The care we take to live well together is deeply anchored in our corporate culture.”
— Christine Beaulieu, Manager, Community Relations
What’s new in public spaces
A new public space accessible to Montrealers and tourists, the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal was enhanced in 2021 with several new features.
- Commencement Square
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Commencement Square became home to Yann Pocreau’s public work of art Leurs Effigies, announced in 2017 as part of the Alexandra Pier development project. It is a sculptural tribute to three women who helped found Montreal: Jeanne Mance, Marguerite Bourgeoys and Marguerite d'Youville. Another installation was a fun new interactive experience, Les Rames Lumineuses, and a number of public events, including circus performances and the Montreal Triathlon, were held there.
- Divina Dali
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To broaden visitor experiences even further, the Port of Montreal hosted the temporary exhibition Divina Dali at the Grand Quay. Featuring 101 watercolours by Salvador Dali illustrating Dante’s Divine Comedy, this exhibition was a world premiere in Montreal.