Olga Farman, CEO of the Port of Quebec, recently addressed journalists regarding a significant incident at Wharf 25. A 60-meter section of the wharf collapsed between 7 AM and 1 PM on Sunday. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and all operations continued without disruption.
According to Farman, immediate precautions were taken due to the potential risk of further collapse. An expanded security perimeter was established as a proactive measure. “The situation at Wharf 25 is under control. Our employees, partners, and the community are safe,” she stated.
Details about Wharf 25
Wharf 25 is located in the estuary region, near silos that face the river. It has been closed for about 10 years and was completely out of service since 2023, due to advanced deterioration. Farman noted that the structure is over a century old and has reached the end of its useful life.
Environmental Impact
Farman emphasized that the environmental impact of the collapse is minimal. “Only materials from the crown wall and a small amount of soil from the platform fell into the Saint Lawrence River,” she clarified. The materials involved include steel, concrete, and granular materials.
The Port is currently collaborating with several agencies, including the Canadian Coast Guard and Environment and Climate Change Canada, to monitor and mitigate any environmental effects. In the short term, they plan to undertake stabilization work to prevent erosion.
Funding and Future Plans
The Port is actively seeking federal funding for infrastructure upgrades. “These wharfs are federal properties, and while the Port manages them, the Canadian government owns them,” Farman explained.
In addition to the recent incident, Farman noted that 540 meters of wharf structure are in critical condition and currently closed due to collapse risks. The Sunday incident comes after the submission of a structured 10-year modernization plan last November, estimated to cost over $1.7 billion, with an urgent need of $380 million over the next five years.
Farman stated, “We have already initiated reconstruction and stabilization of our infrastructures.” She highlighted that a financial assistance request for Wharf 25’s stabilization made three years ago remains unanswered.
The Port is under pressure to maintain safe operations and keep the community informed. Farman assured that she has communicated with federal Minister Joel Lightbound regarding the necessity of funding, emphasizing the urgency of the situation for Quebec.
