Public opening of the Port of Montreal's Grand Quay: A big family party made it a grand success!

MONTREAL, June 4, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Under sunny skies, the people of Greater Montreal came in large numbers to take part in the public opening of the Port of Montreal's Grand Quay, which took the form of a big family party.

That let the 13 000 participants make the most of the new facilities at this magnificent site offering public spaces unique to Montreal, while discovering the modern efficient infrastructures used to welcome cruise ships and the many cruise passengers who visit the city.  

During this big family party, participants were able to enjoy a wide range of activities: nautical knots workshop, giant games, exhibitions, improv games, colouring and makeup activities, etc.

The Port of Montreal was also very satisfied with the event. Montreal Port Authority (MPA) President and CEO Sylvie Vachon said: "There was no better way to celebrate the start of the summer season and this new step in completing our major project than opening the site to the general public. We hope that the Port of Montreal's Grand Quay will become an important gathering place for all Montrealers, at the confluence of the river and the city. Bringing citizens closer to the river was a priority for us and we can now say: mission accomplished!"

In addition to all the activities, the MPA took the opportunity to offer participants in the event a chance to win prizes by entering a contest for a week-long cruise between Montreal and the Magdalen Islands, and family cruises on the river.

Keep in mind that the Port of Montreal's Grand Quay offers unique rental spaces for events of all kinds. An observation tower will also be built near the river in the next few years and will open in 2021.

For more information on the Port of Montreal's Grand Quay, click here. 

Record season for cruises in 2018

With 15 more stopovers than in 2017, more than 130,000 passengers and crew members will visit Montreal between May and November 2018, up 13.5% over 2017. That year, the Port of Montreal received 114,517 cruise passengers and crew members, which was already a 33% increase over the previous year.

About the Port of Montreal

Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is the second largest port in Canada and a diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods: containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. It is a leading container port served by the largest shipping lines in the world. The Port of Montreal has its own rail network directly dockside and is connected to the two national rail networks. The MPA also operates a Cruise Terminal and a Port Centre.

The MPA factors economic, social and environmental components into its corporate initiatives. This commitment is governed by a sustainable development policy whose guiding principles focus on involvement, cooperation and accountability. Port activity supports 16,000 jobs and generates $2.1 billion in economic benefits annually.

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SOURCE Montreal Port Authority

For further information: Mélanie Nadeau, Director of Communications, Montreal Port Authority, 514 285-1385, [e-mail]