Bernard Lynch
Chairman of the board
A WORD FROM THE CHAIR
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We’re excited to present this report for 2022, a year marked by the rollout of an extensive strategic planning process. The main components and implications of that process will be shared with you in the pages that follow.
We’d like to express our appreciation to the many stakeholders who took the time to share their ideas and comments. This essential, joint reflection exercise involved port users and representatives of various local organizations, as well as staff and board members. Together we reviewed our organizational mission, vision, and values, and we’re very pleased with the results.
More specifically, the planning process will open the door to a broader dialogue with our community in the coming years. Through open and collaborative governance, we will strengthen the bonds we’ve created and foster a greater sense of belonging among all members of our community and the communities around us.
The board of directors and its committees work with the permanent team to ensure active and forward-thinking governance of all Port operations. I’d like to thank the Board members for their ongoing commitment that has been vital to our success and for their readiness to spare no effort in achieving our goals. Most of all, I want to highlight the hard work of management and staff. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, we deliver exceptional service to users, and our organization continues to thrive. You are key pillars in our success!
We continue to provide funding for many community organizations that support families and individuals with special needs, working to make a difference in the quality of life of the people in our region. The quality of our environment is another top priority, and we’ve contributed to a number of research initiatives and projects.
The Port of Sept-Îles is a major player in the development of the region and the province. We’re confident and committed to achieving our renewed vision: Ensuring the growth of the Port and the sustainability of the bay of Sept-Îles through innovation.
Pierre D. Gagnon
Port of Sept-Îles President and CEO
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
New momentum, thanks to YOU and with YOU!
Beyond the Port’s new records and performance, 2022 was a decisive year due to the consultation exercises we carried out to chart a course for the future and give the Port NEW MOMENTUM!!
Two innovative initiatives were launched during the year to ensure the Port is as closely aligned as possible with its business context, community, and precious environment.
The first was a CO-CREATION process for the Mgr-Blanche sector in collaboration with the Quebec Maritime Network (RQM) and Laboratoire en innovation ouverte (LLio). The second was an extensive consultation with Port stakeholders and internal resources to develop a structured approach to a revision of how the organization should position itself in terms of its vision, mission, values, and future directions.
More than 50 people took part and shared their views during confidential meetings or interviews, the goal of which was to gather the opinions, expectations, and concerns of everyone involved. We’re deeply grateful for their valuable contributions, which have spurred the new momentum we’re proud to share with you in this report
NEW RECORDS ACHIEVED
With a total of 33.4 million metric tons of cargo handled in 2022, it was our best year of port operations since the local port authority was formed in 1999. This figure represents an increase of 4.1% over the previous year’s total of 32.1 million metric tons. Our significant port operations on the St. Lawrence River allows us to maintain our ranking as the third-largest cargo handler among Canadian ports and the second largest in Quebec.
This growth was driven by increased shipments of iron ore, especially the 24% rise in exports by Quebec Iron Ore, which reached 10 million metric tons. Aluminerie Alouette also hit a new all-time high for aluminum shipments, with a record 574,000 metric tons routed by sea through the port.
As for cruises, Sept-Îles was the first St. Lawrence port to welcome a cruise ship as the industry resumed operations in Canada in the wake of the pandemic. In all, a record 11 vessels and 14,400 passengers visited this past season.
In connection with our digital transition and asset management, 2022 saw the arrival of new resources within the organization. We added new leadership positions to our management team: Human Resources, Sustainable Development and Environment; Engineering and Infrastructure, and Communications and Public Relations.
We were WITH YOU in 2022! We made significant contributions to a number of causes and organizations with monetary and people-powered support. The Port “made a difference” by donating more than $270,000 to community organizations, especially those supporting families and individuals with special needs.
Based on feedback we received during the consultations, we’re going to do more and raise our profile in the community. To that end, we’re planning a public consultation to help strengthen the relationship between the Port and the City. Earlier this year, the Port Authority joined the International Association of Cities and Ports (IACP) to network and share projects of interest that would maximize the potential of our infrastructure for social, environmental, recreational, and tourism purposes.
Spurred on by this new momentum, we expect to reach new and unprecedented levels of operations by proudly surpassing the benchmark of 40 million metric tons of cargo per year.
WE LISTENED
To gain a new understanding of our external environment, we worked with an independent agent to launch an extensive consultation process with our users, partners, and stakeholders who regularly interact and work with the Sept-Îles Port Authority. The purpose was to gather views, expectations, and concerns from all sides in order to review our vision, mission, and organizational values, and to help guide the Port’s future actions. We met with numerous people from various sectors:
- Community organizations (4)
- Business community organizations (8)
- Socio-economic community organizations (10)
- Environmental organizations (4)
We met with Port employees to gather their input and vision. This internal consultation was essential to our analysis and understanding of the organization’s internal environment.
OUR NEW MISSION
NATIONAL ECONOMY THANKS TO THE SYNERGY OF ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND COMMUNITY
PARTNERSHIPS BASED ON THE RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS OPERATIONS
OUR NEW VISION
OUR UPDATED VALUES
OUR PARTNERSHIPS ARE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR COMMITMENT. THEY ARE AT THE HEART OF THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COMMUNITIES.
WE ARE INNOVATIVE IN HOW WE WORK, AND WE ALWAYS SEEK TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO MEET THE EXPECTATIONS OF OUR PARTNERS.
WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE A DEDICATED TEAM AND RELIABLE SERVICES AND FACILITIES THAT MEET THE HIGHEST INDUSTRY STANDARDS.
WE VALUE RESPECT AND AIM TO BUILD LASTING RELATIONSHIPS BASED ON TRUST. WE ARE COMMITTED TO KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS UP TO DATE ON OUR OPERATIONS AND PROJECTS.
WE MANAGE RESOURCES RESPONSIBLY TO ENSURE THEY WILL BE THERE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
WELL-ALIGNED STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
The wealth of feedback and opinions received during the consultations were incorporated into the organization’s strategic planning process, and we identified five strategic directions that will guide the Port in the coming years. The process also targeted a series of priority actions to be given particular attention in 2023. In subsequent years, management and the Board will assess our progress and adjust the action plan accordingly
TRIBUTE
PARTNERS GALA | 30 YEARS
The Aluminerie Alouette Partners Gala was back for its 30th anniversary edition.
The Port of Sept-Îles “Coup de coeur” award was presented to Jean Caron in recognition of his volunteer work over the past 45 years on numerous boards in our community and in the Côte-Nord region.
AAI - PSI
Golf tournament
COMMUNITY
DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
The Port supported the community through donations of almost $270,000 to various organizations and activities aimed at improving the well-being of individuals and families, especially those with special needs. We’re pleased and reassured to know that we can make a difference, improve someone’s life, or offer hope. We’ve also established direct connections with organization leaders and indirect connections with all the clients they serve. These relationships are important, for both sides.
During the consultation process that guided our 2022 strategic planning, all community respondents agreed that the Port is a key partner for their organization and that the funds we provide are essential for them to continue to thrive. Everyone on the entire Port team, both management and staff, is available and approachable, and they don’t hesitate to get involved by donating or volunteering.
OMHSI Children’s Christmas
Grande guignolée des médias
Marathon Mamu
ORGANIZATIONS
À la source
All In
Café jeunesse de Clarke City
(Bal des neiges)
CAB Le Virage
CAB Port-Cartier
Comptoir alimentaire de Sept-Îles
Centraide Duplessis
Centre de dépannage du Parc Ferland
Club de golf Ste-Marguerite
Coupe Dodge
Eki-Lib Santé
Élyme des sables, maison de soins palliatifs de Sept-Îles
Ensemble folklorique Tam ti delam
Épilepsie Côte-Nord
Festival Innu Nikamu
Fondation de l’hôpital de Sept-Îles
(Opération Nez Rouge)
Fondation Loisir Côte-Nord
Greffe-toi à nous
Jardin du ruisseau Bois-Joli
L’Âtre de Sept-Îles
L’Envol – Maison de la famille
Maison du Transit
Marée motrice
(Vieux poste hanté & Vieux poste Noël)
La Troupe du Masque d’or
Office municipal d’habitation
(Noël des enfants de l’OMH)
Ordre du mérite Nord-Côtier
Vieux quai en fête
Répit Richelieu
Salon du livre de la Côte-Nord
Société d’horticulture de Sept-Îles
Station récréotouristique Gallix
Envol/SFPPN golf tournament
Troupe le masque d’or Christmas play
Festival Innu Nikamu/Photo: Kenny Régis
5 À HUÎTRES MARITIME
TO BENEFIT ÉLYME DES SABLES
Another fundraiser and almost a record! It’s something that we, and all the volunteers and partners involved, can be proud of.
The event marked the return of the “Rockefeller” gourmet dinner, and it was a remarkable occasion thanks to several partners. In particular, the event venue was named for Logistec in recognition of its valuable sponsorship.
PALLIATIVE CARE HOME
More than a home, a place of dignity. We also support various fundraising activities, including Souper Sacoches, for women only, and Téléradiothon, the final annual fundraiser.
PORT OPERATIONS
With a 4% increase in the volume, reaching 33.4 million metric tons of cargo, the Port of Sept-Îles had its best year since the Port Authority took over operations in 1999. We also came within 1.5 million metric tons of the historical record of 34.9 million metric tons, posted in 1979.
This volume of operations reaffirms the port’s position as the third-largest port in Canada and the second largest on the St. Lawrence River, after the Port of Montréal.
We saw record shipping levels for the port’s two main commodities, with 30.6 million metric tons of iron ore and 574,000 metric tons of aluminum.
A total of 513 ships docked in the bay of Sept-Îles, 7 more than the previous year. We also had a record year for cruises, with 11 vessels visiting the port in 2022 compared to 9 in 2014.
This was definitely a year of remarkable port operations, reflecting the recovery after the global pandemic.
2022 FINANCIAL
RESULTS
Due mainly to shipping volume growth at the Multi-user Terminal, gross revenue increased by 12.7% to $27.8 million.
Operating expenses rose 10% to $17.8 million, mainly due to higher volume-related costs and service purchases.
As a result, our operating income closed the year at $10 million, which is $1.5 million higher than last year.
Other line items were significantly impacted by contractual obligations from the Multi-user Dock and changes in the fair market value of interest rate swaps.
Overall, comprehensive income fell by $0.3 million to $17.8 million, compared with $18.1 million last year.
Key investments made in 2021 went to the cathodic protection upgrade projects at the Cruise Ship Dock ($0.2 million) and the new hangar at the Multi-user Dock ($1.9 million).
ENVIRONMENT
In March 2022, the Port once again demonstrated its leadership by providing $2.5 million in financial support to launch the Enviro-Actions project with its partner, the Northern Institute for Research in Environment and Occupational Health and Safety (INREST).
The Port of Sept-Îles will be a true leader on the St. Lawrence River in terms of instrumentalization and near real-time data collection for environmental monitoring of the bay of Sept-Îles. The first awareness day, Jour Enviro-Actions Fleuve Laurent/ Rivière Saguenay, held on August 10 at the Mgr-Blanche Dock, showcased the initiative to the community.
In addition, the Port launched a comprehensive assessment of atmospheric emissions on its premises, in collaboration with the Côte-Nord carbon cohort initiated by Environnement Côte-Nord and supported by the Écoleader fund as part of the federal “Climate of Change” initiative.
ENVIRONMENT
We continue to support local environmental organizations. This year, the Port contributed to the “Ici commence le St-Laurent!” awareness campaign launched by Corporation de protection de l’environnement de Sept-Îles and to the restoration of the capelin spawning grounds in the Sainte-Marguerite sector, a project led by Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe that began last year and was completed in 2022.
CO-CREATION
In 2022, the Port of Sept-Îles continued efforts to improve its performance in the Green Marine voluntary certification program. A new community relations indicator is now mandatory. We decided to test the new guidelines for this indicator with a co-creation project allowing us to explore a new way of working with our stakeholders that goes beyond consultations and gets them directly involved in our activities.
In collaboration with the Quebec Maritime Network (RQM) and with the help of Laboratoire en innovation ouverte (LLio) at Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup, the Port brought together nearby partners involved in cruise development to discuss the redevelopment of the Mgr-Blanche sector. The initiative gave us a better overview of what the community might want and need in terms of physical layout.
The Green Marine program brings together various participants from the marine industry, ports and terminals, ship owners, seaways and shipyards, as well as many supporters based primarily in Canada and the United States, and now with members in Europe and Australia. The program covers environmental issues such as invasive species, atmospheric emissions, spill prevention, community impacts, waste, and underwater noise.
Brainstorming exercise on the future
development of the Mgr-Blanche sector
MEMBERS
Carl Allard
Director – Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance
Véronique Boudreau
Director – Finance & Administration
Michelle Bourgeois
Manager – Infrastructure Maintenance
Manon D’Auteuil
Senior Director – Digital Transition
Dominic Déraps
Technical Services Manager
Aurélien Desplanques
Reliability Technician
Pierre Gagnon
President & Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Grant
Harbour Master & Port Security Officer
Marie-Eve Guérin
Director – Human Resources
Patsy Keays
Director – Corporate Affairs & Corporate Secretary
Paul Leblanc
Director – Infrastructure Engineering and Maintenance
Raynald Ouellet
Vice President – Operations & Business Development
Julian Potvin
Operations & Maintenance Planner Supervisor
Joel Richard
Accounting Technician
Mélissa Sanikopoulos
Director – Environment & Sustainability
DIRECTORS
Serge Lévesque, président
Jean-François Bonneau
Bernard Lynch, d’office
Gilles Couture, président
Nancy Jourdain
Nancy Jourdain, présidente
Mirka Boudreau
Bernard Lynch, d’office
Mirka Boudreau, présidente
Gilles Couture
Bernard Lynch, d’office
