The following is the text of a news release from the Port of Prescott, Ontario:
(PRESCOTT, Ontario) — The Port of Prescott, owned and operated by the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, located on the St. Lawrence River south of the Canadian Capital of Ottawa, Ontario, has announced that effective Jan. 1, 2014, the port will be officially renamed the Port of Johnstown.
The name change is due to the correct geographical location of the port within the boundaries of the town of Johnstown located in the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. It also coincides with the new expansion of the primary wharf and the development of new berthing and cargo storage areas. Established in the late 1920s, the port has significant grain capacity and has handled a wide range of bulk and other cargoes over the years.
"We are pleased that this significant new expansion will allow us to handle a wide range of new cargo as well as to continue to address the increasing needs of our customers," said Robert Dalley, port manager. "Our recent port expansion and the availability of significant storage space will allow us to continue to serve the region and our nation's capital as a premier intermodal hub."
The port is nearing completion of a new $34.76 million expansion including a new 465 meter (1,525 feet) berth, 7.7 hectares (19 acres) wharf area and new storage area. The port is served by rail, major highways and is prominently located on the St. Lawrence River south of Ottawa.
"We recognize the major impacts to the economy this port provides and are pleased to be so close to Canada's Capital City of Ottawa," said Johnstown Mayor Bill Sloan. "As the needs of the region grow we see our port as a major economic engine that will lead to increased employment and sustained industrial activity."