How Key Materials Fuel Housing Construction and Economic Expansion

A new housing construction development is shown.

The construction sector is a foundational pillar of the economy, playing a pivotal role in fostering the expansion and prosperity of Canadian communities. The crucial materials handled at our ports not only power the construction industry but also help meet the demand for a greater housing supply.

Below are five materials commonly used in the construction of housing developments and infrastructure projects:

Asphalt

Asphalt, a versatile material derived from petroleum, serves as the backbone for roadways and roofing systems. In the context of housing construction, asphalt plays a pivotal role in creating durable and weather-resistant surfaces.

Re-bar

Re-bar, short for reinforcing bar, is a crucial component in the construction of foundations. Typically made of steel, re-bar reinforces concrete structures, imparting strength and resilience to the foundation of buildings. High-quality re-bar ensures that the foundation of housing projects is robust, capable of withstanding the test of time and environmental challenges.

Cement

Cement is the glue that binds construction projects together, serving as the primary ingredient in concrete. Foundations, sidewalks, walkways, and various structural elements rely on the strength and durability of cement. Cement allows construction projects to access a diverse range of formulations, each tailored to meet specific structural requirements.

Steel

Steel, with its exceptional strength and versatility, is a staple in the construction industry. Steel is used for a myriad of purposes in housing construction, including doors, hardware, and support beams. The quality and reliability of steel contributes to the overall integrity and safety of buildings and structures. Additionally, the use of steel in construction provides economic benefits by creating jobs in manufacturing and fabrication industries both locally and abroad.

Gypsum

Gypsum, commonly found in the form of drywall, is an essential material for interior construction. Gypsum allows builders to access high-quality drywall products that contribute to the aesthetics, insulation, and fire resistance of housing interiors.

As we build the homes and cities of the future, ensuring robust supply chains for these materials is key to sustaining a thriving and resilient regional and national economy.

These essential commodities are some of the 10 million tonnes of cargo that transit HOPA’s port network each year.

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.