Government of Canada invests in digital infrastructure projects across Canada

HAMILTON, ON – An efficient and reliable transportation system is essential for our economy. With the National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF), the Government of Canada invests in making supply chains more efficient, reducing trade barriers, and directly contributes to the growth of businesses to create the economic opportunities of the future.

On May 31, the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, announced up to $51.2 million for 19 digital infrastructure projects under the National Trade Corridors Fund. By supporting the use of innovative technologies for stronger supply chains, the Government of Canada is ensuring that goods move faster and cheaper, making life more affordable for Canadians. 

This commitment represents strong collaboration with stakeholders across the country on important digital projects to better address transportation bottlenecks, vulnerabilities, and congestion along Canada’s ports. By strategically investing in our supply chains, the Government of Canada is paving the way for sustained growth, creating opportunities for businesses to thrive domestically and compete on the global stage.

“Strong supply chains help make the cost of living more affordable for Canadians. This technological innovation will help make supply chains faster and more resilient. With these investments, we’re making sure crucial knowledge and information can be shared and acted on for the benefit of Canadian consumers, workers and businesses.” – The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez,
Minister of Transport

Investment in New Intelligent Vehicle Management System at HOPA Ports

As part of this cross-Canada announcement, Minister Rodriguez announced funding for a new Intelligent Vehicle Management System at HOPA’s port facilities.

The project will use AI-enabled technology to monitor the number and type of trucks, how they are entering and exiting the port, and how long they are queuing.  “This will give us the information we need to make operational improvements like creating staging areas and improving scheduling,” said HOPA Ports President & CEO, Ian Hamilton. “Data is a powerful resource that can help us improve supply chains and the environmental performance of our transportation system. We are grateful for the collaboration of Transport Canada in helping us launch this future-minded initiative.”

The implementation of the $512,354 project is expected to kick off in 2024, funded on a 50/50 basis by HOPA Ports and the NTCF program.

Media contact regarding Hamilton project:

Larissa Fenn
HOPA Ports
[email protected]

Media Assets are HERE
Password (case sensitive): HOPA-NTCF

Renee Bulger, CPA, CGA

Vice President, Finance

Renee assumed the role of Vice President, Finance after having served as Director of Finance since 2023.

Renee joined the Hamilton Port Authority in 2006 as a General Accountant and was promoted to Controller in 2018. She was previously a member of the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Conservation Foundation from 2017 to 2020.

Renee received her Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Larissa Fenn

Vice President, Corporate Affairs

Larissa Fenn is Vice President, Corporate Affairs at HOPA Ports, leading a team responsible for communications and government relations, sustainability reporting, corporate governance and corporate culture.

Previous positions included communications and public policy roles at the Canadian Bankers Association, Credit Valley Conservation Authority, and the Regional Municipality of Halton.

Larissa holds a B.A.(Hons) in Political Science from Queen’s University. She holds the APR designation from the Canadian Public Relations Society, and completed the Senior Public Sector Leaders program at the University of Western Ontario, Ivey School of Business. Larissa has served as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Royal Botanical Gardens, and as a member of the Policy Council of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.

Bill Fitzgerald

Vice President, Strategic Development

Bill assumed the role of Vice President, Strategic Development in 2024, after having served as HOPA’s Vice President, Operations since 2008.

Bill joined the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority in July 1995 as Project Engineer. He previously worked with the Regional Municipality of Ottawa’s Transportation Department, as well as for the Toronto Transit Commission and the City of Waterloo.

Bill received a Bachelor of Applied Science, civil engineering / water resources, in 1995 from the University of Waterloo and registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario in 1997.

Jeremy Dunn

Vice President, Operations

Jeremy assumed the role of Vice President, Operations in 2024 after having served as HOPA’s Commercial Vice President since 2019. Prior to joining HOPA, Jeremy served in successive leadership roles at The Miller Group, one of Canada’s leading transportation construction and infrastructure maintenance companies. Jeremy has managed multiple business groups in the heavy construction, asphalt paving and aggregates sectors driving results through business restructuring, service improvement and strategic growth. In his most recent role, Jeremy served as General Manager of Miller Maintenance, responsible for managing and growing Miller’s highway maintenance business in Ontario.

Previous to The Miller Group, Jeremy held the position of Director of Operations for the Dunn Group of Companies.

Jeremy earned his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) through Queen’s University. He also holds a Master’s Certificate in Project Management.

Janet Knight

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer for the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority since 2008, Janet joined the HPA in 1998 as Accounting Supervisor and subsequently served as Controller.

Prior to joining the HPA, Janet held the position of Financial Analyst with St. Joseph’s Hospital, as well as various positions, including Marketing Communications/Research Lead with Zeneca Agro. Janet graduated from McMaster University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Commerce. She attained the professional designation of Certified Management Accountant in 1992.

Ian Hamilton

President & CEO

Ian Hamilton is President & CEO of HOPA Ports (Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority). He assumed this role in 2017, after serving as the Port Authority’s Vice President of Business Development and Real Estate since 2008. Ian has been instrumental in developing working waterfronts in Hamilton, Oshawa, and Niagara by attracting new business and private investment, and creating an integrated marine network across Southern Ontario.

Ian possesses more than 25 years of experience in international transportation and logistics in Europe and North America, and has held progressively senior positions in the liner shipping industry, including Transatlantic Trade Director (Europe) for CP Ships and Business Development Manager for Hapag-Lloyd. Ian is Chairperson of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, and holds positions on various other boards, including: the Chamber of Marine Commerce, the Hamilton Club, and Brigs Youth Sail Training.

Ian holds an MBA from Aston University (UK) and a BSc in business administration and economics from the College of Charleston, South Carolina.