17 years after taking the helm at Windsor Port Authority, Harbour Master Peter Berry is preparing for retirement.
Berry will step down at the end of the year after nearly two decades overseeing operations at Canada’s only port located directly on the international border.
Looking back, Berry says he’s proud of how much the port and surrounding community have evolved.
“Very proud of the pier at the Queen’s Dock. To give that to the community, keep the fishing and perpetuate the access,” he said.
“And of course working through the Gordie Howe over the years to see it actually open, and operating from when it was the Brighton Beach community that was there to where it is today.”
Berry says operating Windsor’s port comes with challenges unique to its cross-border location.
“We are dealing with both the United States and Canada and everything that we do, trying to get the support to actually look at that border security to firm up our properties and make certain they’re secure and operating efficiently and effectively,” he said.
“The border is definitely an issue that no other port faces.”
The Windsor Port Authority has named Capt. Joseph Antony as Peter Berry’s successor.
Antony arrives Sept. 8 to begin a transition before Berry retires at year’s end. He joins Port Windsor from Transport Canada, where he serves in a marine safety leadership role based in Thunder Bay.
Berry’s message to the incoming harbour master centres on making connections.
“It’s most important to look at relationships, not so much the technical knowledge, but the relationships and the people that you call upon to assist you or to work in partnership with. It’s best to perpetuate that very quickly as he enters into the position,” Berry said.
After retirement, Berry plans to take some time to disconnect before pursuing opportunities with the University of Windsor’s security centre and in the emerging field of autonomous vessels and vehicles.
He says serving as harbour master over the past 17 years has been an absolute privilege and honour.