Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) welcomes the City of Welland and the City of St. Catharines

The Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) has proudly welcomed the City of Welland and the City of St. Catharines as its newest members, strengthening municipal engagement in the CMC’s efforts to advance a more sustainable, efficient, and economically competitive marine transportation system across the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence corridor.Their addition reinforces the strategic importance of the Welland Canal, one of Canada’s most vital trade routes, and the communities that support it.

Together with the City of Port Colborne, the new members are expanding the momentum behind the Welland Canal Corridor initiative, a joint effort to promote the economic value of Niagara’s marine infrastructure and its role in driving trade, investment, and industry innovation.

With Welland and St. Catharines joining the Chamber, and Port Colborne contributing years of experience as a long-standing member, the partnership strengthens the collective voice of canal communities and enhances advocacy efforts on shared priorities for both industry and municipalities.

Situated along the Welland Canal, these communities serve as key links in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway System, connecting inland industries to global markets. Their membership will enhance regional collaboration on marine infrastructure, sustainability, and workforce development, ensuring Niagara’s local perspectives help shape the future of Canada’s marine transportation sector.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the cities of Welland and St. Catharines to the Chamber of Marine Commerce, as their leadership within the Welland Canal Corridor brings valuable insight as we work to strengthen one of Canada’s most important trade gateways,” saidJoshua H. Juel, President and CEO of the Chamber of Marine Commerce. “By aligning the perspectives of industry and municipalities, we can accelerate investment, improve infrastructure resilience, and ensure the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence region continues to thrive as a competitive and sustainable transportation network.”

Welland, located at the heart of the Niagara Region, is a community defined by its connection to the Welland Canal and its growing industrial base. The city has long been committed to supporting industrial, logistics, and commercial development, while also enhancing public access to the waterway. These efforts reinforce Welland’s role as a key link in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway System and a central player in Niagara’s trade economy.

“The Welland Canal is one of Canada’s most important economic connectors — linking local industry to national and global markets. Every shipment that moves through the Canal supports jobs, investment, and growth from coast to coast,” explained Lina DeChellis, Director of Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives, City of Welland. “By working together through the Welland Canal Corridor initiative, we’re helping ensure Niagara remains at the centre of Canada’s trade economy for generations to come.”

As Niagara’s largest city and a gateway to the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway, St. Catharines combines a strong industrial foundation with strategic investments in infrastructure and sustainability. These efforts help the city support regional trade, foster marine-industry collaboration, and maintain its position as a central hub in the Niagara economy.

“St. Catharines has a long and proud history tied to the Welland Canal — from shipbuilding and marine manufacturing to logistics and service industries that keep Great Lakes trade moving,” said Brian York, Director of Economic Development and Government Relations, City of St. Catharines. “Our participation in the Welland Canal Corridor underscores our commitment to supporting these local companies and ensuring Niagara remains a leader in Canada’s marine economy.”

Port Colborne, at the southern entrance of the Welland Canal, has long been a hub for shipping, logistics, and tourism. As an established Chamber of Marine Commerce member, the city works closely with neighboring communities to strengthen regional trade and ensure the Welland Canal continues to drive economic growth.

“As a long-standing member of the Chamber of Marine Commerce, Port Colborne has seen firsthand the value of collaboration within the marine sector. Partnering with Welland and St. Catharines through the Welland Canal Corridor strengthens our shared voice, ensuring the full economic potential of the Canal and the Great Lakes system is recognized across all levels of government and industry,” added Bram Cotton, Economic Development Officer, City of Port Colborne.

About The Welland Canal Corridor

The Welland Canal is the backbone of the Great Lakes trade economy — a vital connection linking Lakes Ontario and Erie through Niagara’s thriving industrial corridor. Stretching across the Cities of St. Catharines, Welland, and Port Colborne, the Corridor integrates marine, road, rail, and energy infrastructure that powers trade and innovation across North America.

As a key component of the binational St. Lawrence Seaway, the Welland Canal supports nearly 40 million tonnes of cargo movement annually, connecting the North American industrial economy to the Atlantic Ocean and global markets beyond. The Welland Canal intersects major 400-series highways, Class 1 and short-line rail networks, and abundant renewable hydropower — making it one of Canada’s most strategic transportation and logistics hubs.

Formed through collaboration between the Cities of St. Catharines, Welland, and Port Colborne, The Welland Canal Corridor highlights the essential role Niagara’s marine infrastructure plays in driving sustainable economic growth. Together, these communities are championing the message that the Welland Canal is more than a waterway, it is a critical economic engine linking regional opportunity with international prosperity.

Learn more at www.wellandcanalcorridor.ca.