Arctic Gateway Group receives federal, provincial backing for Port of Churchill upgrades

Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) says new commitments from the Manitoba and federal governments will help advance major upgrades to the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill as part of the Port of Churchill Plus development plan.

AGG president and CEO Chris Avery said the announcement underscores the partnership needed to position Churchill as a major Canadian gateway.

“As the plan for Port of Churchill Plus moves ahead, AGG is focused on building up critical trade enabling infrastructure assets and getting ready for the Port to assume its new role as a major Canadian port,” Avery said. “Strong commitments from Manitoba and Canada give us the tools to continue modernizing our operations and preparing for a broader range of global trade opportunities.”

The governments also confirmed support for a feasibility study into icebreaking on Hudson Bay, complementing ongoing work with industry partners including FedNav to assess long-term needs for year-round marine service. Scientific studies with the University of Manitoba are also underway to better understand shifting Arctic waterways and climate impacts.

New provincial funding, combined with prior federal investments, will allow AGG to accelerate engineering work to upgrade the Hudson Bay Railway toward Class 1 standards, expand storage and loading systems for more commodities, acquire additional marine vessels and equipment and continue modernizing the port’s wharf and related infrastructure. Further spending will also target track reliability for the line serving northern communities and Churchill-bound shippers.

Mike Spence, chair of AGG’s board of directors, said the support reflects broad alignment among governments and northern partners.

“This is another strong step forward for the 41 northern and Indigenous communities that own Arctic Gateway Group,” Spence said. “Northern communities have always believed in the potential of this corridor. Today’s announcement helps ensure AGG can continue strengthening the Port and the Hudson Bay Railway for years to come.”

Avery said momentum around Churchill continues to build as AGG works with governments and northern and Indigenous partners “to build a modern, resilient Arctic trade corridor that diversifies Canadian trade routes, moves Western Canadian resources to foreign markets, and supports northern communities, Canadian industries and Canada’s presence in the North.”