Manitoba, Ottawa Announce Major Port of Churchill Investment

The provincial and federal governments have jointly announced millions of dollars in funding for infrastructure improvements at the Port of Churchill in northern Manitoba. 

The provincial government on Tuesday said it will spend $36.4 million over two years to support the plans of Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) to expand traffic diversification and growth opportunities, as well as attract private investment partners from the agriculture, mining, fertilizer and resupply sectors. Planned works include wharf repairs and freight warehouse upgrades. 

Meanwhile, Ottawa has committed $43 million for the operations and maintenance of the Hudson Bay Railway, which services the port. 

A limited partnership of local governments and Indigenous partners, AGG owns the Port of Churchill, located on the west coast of Hudson Bay in Manitoba. AGG also owns the Hudson Bay Railway, which connects The Pas to Churchill. 

“Churchill presents huge opportunities when it comes to mining, agriculture and energy.” said Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew in a release. 

The amount of grain exported through the Port of Churchill has fluctuated over time, with some years seeing large amounts exported and others seeing very little.  However, a new partnership was announced in October 2024 that aims to restore bi-directional rail operations between Churchill and the central Saskatchewan community of Tisdale within the next five years. The goal is to have grain and other agricultural products and supplies shipped directly between Tisdale and Churchill. 

In announcing the Tisdale partnership, AGG CEO Chris Avery said the Port of Churchill could offer Saskatchewan grain farmers and other businesses major cost savings with a shorter and more direct route to world export markets. 

“As a maritime province located in the heart of North America, Manitoba is strategically positioned to ship commodities, critical minerals and natural resources,” said Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor. “Developing the Port of Churchill will advance northern Manitoba’s economy, support trade expansion with Europe and strengthen our Arctic sovereignty as we position Manitoba as a gateway to the Arctic and to the world.”