Huron Marine & Economic Forum Sets 2026 Panel Lineup
The Huron Marine & Economic Forum will bring leaders from across Ontario’s marine, transportation, energy, agriculture, trade and economic development sectors to Goderich on October 15 for a day focused on the connections between Great Lakes shipping and the inland economy.
Hosted by the Huron Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Goderich Port Management Corporation, the second annual forum will take place at the Goderich Columbus Convention Centre from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year’s theme, Beyond the Breakwall: Connecting inland economic growth to global trade through the Great Lakes, broadens the conversation beyond the Port of Goderich itself to examine the infrastructure, industries and communities connected to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence transportation system.
“We wanted this year’s forum to really demonstrate that the marine economy doesn’t stop at the shoreline,” said Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce. “What happens at our ports is directly connected to farms, manufacturers, energy projects, rail and trucking, local employment and our ability to reach markets across Canada and around the world. These panels bring together people who can speak to those connections from very different parts of the system.”
Two moderated panels will anchor the program.
Infrastructure and Corridor Capacity
The first panel will examine the infrastructure required to move more, and different kinds of, cargo through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence system. The discussion will include port capacity, rail and road connections, containerization, border and customs considerations, corridor utilization and the consequences of infrastructure constraints.
Steve Salmons, Windsor Port Authority, will moderate a panel featuring:
- Captain Satinder Singh, Toronto Port Authority
- Neil Johnson, GIO Rail
- John Grech, Picton Terminals
- Jason Card, Chamber of Marine Commerce
The panel brings together perspectives from ports, rail, terminal operations and the broader Great Lakes marine industry at a time when governments and businesses are increasingly focused on strengthening Canadian trade corridors and diversifying markets.
Economic Impact and Market Access
A second panel will turn the discussion inland, examining how marine infrastructure supports economic development across agriculture, food processing, energy, manufacturing, logistics and other sectors.
Dave Shorey, Georgian College, will moderate a panel featuring:
- Chad Richards, Bruce Power
- Darryl Markle, Parrish & Heimbecker
- Chris Watson, Huron County Economic Development
- Ashley Kalyn, Peacock Tariff Consulting
The discussion will explore supply-chain resilience, investment, export opportunities and the role transportation infrastructure plays in connecting regional businesses and producers with domestic and international markets.
Frank Hurkmans, President of Goderich Port Management Corporation, said the mix of speakers reflects the broader role marine transportation plays in Ontario’s economy.
“The Port of Goderich is an important piece of infrastructure for this region, but it operates as part of a much larger system,” Hurkmans said. “Rail, roads, ports, agriculture, energy and industry all depend on one another. Bringing these voices together gives us an opportunity to look at where the system is working well, where the constraints are and what we need to do to position this region and Ontario for future growth.”
The program will also include a dedicated discussion with provincial government representatives. Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson has confirmed her participation, with additional provincial representation and final details for that portion of the program to be announced.
The forum comes as Canadian businesses continue to navigate a changing North American trade environment and renewed attention is being placed on domestic supply chains, trade diversification and transportation infrastructure.
For Carmichael, that makes the conversation particularly timely.
“Trade has become a much more immediate issue for businesses over the past year,” he said. “We have one of the most efficient transportation systems in the world sitting on our doorstep. There is a real opportunity to think more strategically about how we use it, not just for the traditional marine economy, but as an economic development asset for communities and businesses throughout the region.”
The 2nd Annual Huron Marine & Economic Forum takes place Thursday, October 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Goderich Columbus Convention Centre.
The Huron Chamber of Commerce is one of Canada’s fastest growing Chambers, connecting community leaders since 1990. Representing businesses across Huron County, the Chamber focuses on growing the local economy, supporting business success, and strengthening our towns and villages. As an independent, non-profit organization, the Chamber advocates for business and community interests, facilitates collaboration, and convenes stakeholders to develop and support a vibrant and thriving county.
