WINDSOR, Ontario – The Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA) today announced Peter Berry, Vice-President of Operations and Harbour Master at the Port of Windsor, as the 2026 recipient of the ACPA Medal of Merit, recognizing his decades of leadership, service and commitment to Canada’s marine community.
The Medal of Merit was presented during the Ports Canada 2026 Conference in Windsor, bringing the recognition to the port community where Peter has made such a significant contribution.
“Peter Berry’s career reflects the best of Canada’s port and maritime sector: service, professionalism and leadership,” said Daniel-Robert Gooch, President and CEO, ACPA. “His work has advanced safety, security and collaboration across jurisdictions, and his contributions have had an impact well beyond the Port of Windsor. Peter is widely respected for the care, dedication and partnership he brings to every aspect of his work, and ACPA is proud to recognize him with the 2026 Medal of Merit.”
As Vice-President of Operations and Harbour Master for the Port of Windsor, Peter serves as the port’s primary Traffic Control Officer, Chief Enforcement Officer, Port Development Officer and Lead Port Security Officer. In these roles, he works closely with law enforcement and marine agencies in Canada and the United States to support the safe, secure and efficient movement of marine traffic in one of Canada’s most strategically important port environments.
Located near the international border, the Port of Windsor is one of Canada’s 17 federal port authorities and plays an important role in the Great Lakes marine transportation system. Peter’s work has helped strengthen relationships among port authorities, marine stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, and security partners across the region.
Peter is Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast Michigan Area Maritime Security Committee, including several subcommittees; Past Chair of the ACPA Security Committee; and an executive member of the National Ports Security Committee. He also contributes to numerous marine domain management committees in Canada and the United States.
In March 2026, he was appointed by the Governor General as Honorary Captain assigned to HMCS Hunter, the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve Division in Windsor. The appointment recognizes his long-standing service to the maritime community and his contributions to strengthening ties between civilian and naval communities.
Peter’s career has also been recognized through several honours, including the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Coast Guard Public Service Commendation, the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation for the 2011 Labour Day Presidential Security Zone Enforcement Team, the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, the Canada Customs Foreign Service Medal, the United Nations Protection Force Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and the 2025 Marine Professional of the Year Award from the Canadian Association of Safe Boating.
“It is especially meaningful to recognize Peter Berry here in Windsor, where his leadership has helped strengthen the port community and the broader marine sector,” said Steve Salmons, President and CEO, Port of Windsor, and Second Vice-Chair of the ACPA Board of Directors. “Peter’s career reflects the highest standards of public service, security and partnership, and we are grateful for the lasting contribution he continues to make.”
(Photo from Windsor Port Authority)