Ontario Marine Transportation Strategy

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) reviewed all feedback received during the comment period. Feedback received through this process will help guide and inform future policies or initiatives that are implemented by MTO to advance the Strategy’s pillars and actions.

Key themes from the comments received include the following:

• Stronger Focus on Climate Change and Resilience:
  • Comments received emphasized the need for greater focus on the impact of climate change and the importance of building infrastructure and ecosystem resilience within the Great Lakes marine transportation system.
• Strengthened Collaboration and Engagement:
  • Feedback highlighted stronger collaboration between the Province and stakeholders, with ongoing engagement in the planning and implementation of marine infrastructure projects.
• Improved Ferry Service Reliability and Access:
  • Comments received identified the need for more reliable, frequent, and well-staffed ferry services to ensure year-round access for island communities and agricultural operations. They also emphasized the need for provincial investment in public transportation, including a potential Lake Ontario crossing.
• Financial Incentives for Shipbuilding and Marine Sector:
  • Feedback pointed to the need for increased financial incentives for shipbuilding to be more competitive. Comments also highlighted the importance of dedicated, long-term funding for the operation and maintenance of existing marine facilities.
• Sustainable and Integrated Marine Transportation System:
  • There was strong support for continued advancement toward a marine transportation system that is resilient, efficient, and sustainable—balancing economic growth with environmental protection and community well-being.

MTO is currently undertaking several actions identified in the Strategy where this feedback has and will continue to be used to inform the Ministry’s work, including:

Pillar 1, Action 1: Establishing the Ontario Marine Partnership and Development Office

To address the need for increased collaboration and stakeholder engagement, MTO established the Ontario Marine Partnership and Development Office (OMPDO). OMPDO, which was formally announced in October 2024, is mandated to implement the Strategy and to serve as the central point of contact for the marine industry, helping to foster strong collaboration between industry stakeholders and government ensuring more streamlined coordination between all parties to meet shared objectives and challenges, while driving successful outcomes for the marine industry.

The office’s work is focused on facilitating dialogue and collaboration on key concerns brought forward by stakeholders, leading engagement with industry partners, and serving as the provincial voice when advocating for and building awareness of Ontario’s marine sector priorities.

Pillar 1, Action 3: Completing the Provincial ferry review

To ensure that provincial ferry operations are reliable and efficient, the Province is reviewing how ferry services are delivered in Ontario. The provincial review of ferry services remains underway within the Ministry of Transportation. The government understands the public’s interest in reliable ferry services and will in due course bring forward a proposal to strengthen ferry services in Ontario.

Pillar 2, Action 1: Exploring opportunities for incentives to support economic growth and competitiveness.

In summer 2025, MTO launched the Ontario Shipbuilding Grant Program (OSGP) to support the shipbuilding industry’s competitiveness, business growth and long-term capacity. The OSGP is part of Ontario’s commitment to invest $215 million to support the province’s shipbuilding industry and broader marine sector, in alignment with the 2025 Budget.

Pillar 4, Action 1: Strengthening Ontario's role in decarbonization of Marine sector

Recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability in the marine sector, MTO is working to enhance Ontario’s presence in decarbonization efforts. This includes active engagement in federal-led initiatives and forums such as those led by Transport Canada and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) to support a lower-emission, climate-resilient marine transportation system.

In addition to the actions outlined above, the overall themes and intent of the feedback received through the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) will inform MTO’s implementation of the Strategy’s actions.