April 8, 2008 Hamilton, ON - An active 16 months have ensued since the finalization of the deal which saw the Hamilton Port Authority (HPA) purchase 103 acres of Stelco Inc. property (now US Steel Canada) at Pier 22 in late 2006. The site has been the focus of significant attention since environmental assessments began last fall. Demolition of the #2 Rod Mill, closed by Stelco in 2004, is the next milestone project in the master plan for renewing the property.
The contract was awarded to Murray Demolition, who mobilized on the property at the end of March. The work is expected to conclude late in 2008. "We've focused a great deal of effort on safely removing contaminants present on the site from years of industrial activity", said HPA president and ceo Bruce Wood. The HPA is proud to be a leader in sustained environmental remediation through its partnership with the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan. The Rod Mill demolition serves as an example of the ongoing commitment by the port authority to safely remove harmful elements from the environment while protecting the quality of the water and adjacent lands for future generations.
The project is being considered by the port as a major brownfield redevelopment, something the City of Hamilton's Economic Development Division supports. "The environmental remediation and revitalization of the Pier 22 site is a major piece of the puzzle in Hamilton's waterfront redevelopment efforts. Getting this former Stelco Rod Mill site back into an assessment and job creating property is a major priority for both the Port Authority and the Economic Development Department ", said City of Hamilton economic development director Neil Everson. The property, purchased for $17.5 million adds to the port's land holdings by 20%, providing opportunities to attract new terminal partners and further diversify the cargo mix. The Pier 22 development is consistent with the HPA’s Land Use Plan which was adopted in mid 2002. 820 feet of new dockwall construction has already been completed adding direct vessel access to the north end of the pier. The renewal of this property will yield significant environmental and economic benefits for years to come.
The Port of Hamilton is the busiest Canadian Great Lakes port, averaging more than 12 million tonnes of cargo and 700 vessel calls annually. The HPA is committed to sustained environmental, economic and community development for the City of Hamilton.
For further information please contact:
Brent Kinnaird
Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Hamilton Port Authority
