Heddle Shipyards’ $107 million investment at Port Weller Dry Docks set to create 30 jobs in Niagara; Ontario Government extends $3.4 million support. Photo Credit: Facebook/Sam Oosterhoff
Heddle Shipyards, the biggest ship repair and construction company located on the Great Lakes, has announced a $107 million investment into advancing initiatives at Port Weller Dry Docks in St. Catharines. The investment is projected to create thirty additional positions for Niagara workers.
“The Port Weller Dry Docks have a long and rich history of building and repairing ships in St. Catharines,” Niagara West Member of Provincial Parliament Sam Oosterhoff said. “This investment by Heddle Shipyards, with support from the province, will grow local manufacturing and create more good-paying jobs for workers and families in Niagara.”
Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, also shared his enthusiasm at the announcement. “This significant investment by Heddle Shipyards in St. Catharines for their Vessel Life Extension projects, and their continued investments in facilities across the province, demonstrates that by lowering costs and increasing competitiveness, we are helping local champions like Heddle grow and making Ontario a top place for businesses to thrive,” he stated. “Through our Regional Development Program, our government is proud to help Ontario manufacturers expand and create more good-paying jobs for local workers. “Thank you, Heddle Shipyards, for continuing to innovate and invest in your facilities across Ontario.”
St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe also expressed his support. “This is great news, not just for Heddle Shipyards and the shipbuilding sector in Ontario, but for residents of St. Catharines and Niagara as well,” he said. “Shipbuilding and ship repair is synonymous with St. Catharines’ rich marine heritage and this announcement, along with the new provincial marine strategy, ensure that the sector will continue to thrive.”
As Heddle prepares to invest significant financial and human resources to advance its work in extending the life of more marine vessels, the provincial government is providing the business with $3.4 million through the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream of the Regional Development Program.
“We are extremely grateful for the support that Minister Fedeli and the Government of Ontario continue to have for the shipbuilding and ship repair industry in our province,” shared Ted Kirkpatrick, Director of Business Development and Government Relations at Heddle Shipyards. “Investments through programs like the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream will allow Ontario to once again be a frontrunner in the shipbuilding industry in Canada and support hundreds of high-paying skilled trade jobs in our communities over the coming decade.”
The $3.4 million is part of a province-wide initiative that the Ontario Government is taking to facilitate the development of advanced manufacturing industries. Those interested in learning more can do so at the following links:
Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
