After nineteen years at the helm of the Port of Trois-Rivières, the time has come for me to cast off and set sail toward a new stage of my life. In just a few days, I will be retiring with a deep sense of pride, gratitude, and shared accomplishment.
When I first arrived at the Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA), there was much to build. My ambition was clear: to restore the pride of the people of Trois-Rivières in being a port city. As a mariner by training, I knew that a port is more than its docks and ships; it is, above all, a community. Together—with the exceptional TRPA team, the board members, our partners in the wider port family, local stakeholders, and our collaborators across all levels of government—we have modernized and transformed the Port of Trois-Rivières, rekindling the essential bond between thecity and its port.
What I am most proud of is not only what we accomplished, but the journey we took to get there. We listened and engaged, allowing us to reimagine and enhance the port territory in collaboration with the local community and our business partners. This collective effort brought to life ourstrategic plans. Together, we envisioned and built the port of tomorrow.
With the support of our private and public partners, we have invested more than $500 million to modernize our facilities, diversify our activities, reduce our environmental footprint, and open the port area to the community. Landmark projects—such as the one currently underway at Terminals 16 and 17, the largest in the Port’s history—will redefine our operations for decades to come. Today, the Port of Trois-Rivières is recognized as a vital economic engine for the region. In the current global context, it also stands as an efficient, modernized logistics platform supporting Quebec and Canadian businesses in diversifying their trade.
But beyond the infrastructure, the greatest success is human. I have had the privilege of working with passionate, skilled, and deeply committed people. This team is like a second family to me. Ambitious ideas and vision were essential, of course, but it was above all through collective effort that we transformed our port and strengthened its contribution to the vitality of our region and the St. Lawrence corridor.
I leave with confidence and optimism for the future. The Port today is strong, inspiring, and forward-looking. I am especially pleased to pass the helm to Anick Métivier, who will bring a fresh perspective and draw on his expertise to continue advancing our strategic vision—one he has already helped to shape. Without a doubt, Anick will take the Port even further.
The next evolution of the Port of Trois-Rivières is already underway, built on solid and sustainable foundations. My heartfelt thanks to all who have shared this journey with me. Together, we have made this strategic infrastructure a true source of collective pride.
Gaétan Boivin
Outgoing President and CEO
(Photo credit: Sophie Belina Brzozowska)