Port of Churchill gets provincial boost worth $36.4M
Posted February 4, 2025 3:17 pm.
Last Updated February 5, 2025 10:10 am.
Manitoba’s Northern Port is getting a substantial boost from the provincial government.
On Tuesday, the Government of Manitoba announced it will be investing $36.4 million into the Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) for infrastructure projects that will see the Port of Churchill expand.
“Churchill presents huge opportunities when it comes to mining, agriculture and energy,” said Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew in a news release.
“Our government’s investments are fueling northern Manitoba’s economy, increasing international trade and unlocking new economic opportunities for all Manitobans. These new investments will build up Manitoba’s economic strength and open our province to new trading opportunities.”
The money, flowing through the AGG, will support its port and rail development vision, attracting stakeholders and partners from the agriculture, mining, fertilizer and resupply efforts, with wharf repairs and freight warehouse upgrades all set to take place.
“This is about keeping northern communities connected, strengthening Indigenous economic leadership and positioning Manitoba as a key player in the global critical minerals market,” said Sport Minister Terry Duguid, who is also responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, in the news release.
“Reliable affordable rail service is essential for the North and these investments will ensure it remains a lifeline for communities and businesses.”
Duguid went on to explain the government spending will create new opportunities in the mining and mineral development sector, helping “helping Indigenous communities build skills, secure good jobs and drive economic growth.”
The AGG is a subsidiary of the OneNorth Partnership, built up of 41 First Nation and Bayline Communities in Manitoba, and leaders with the group say the partnership will bring Western Canada resources to the world.
“We’re very pleased that the upcoming shipping season will see us double the volume of critical minerals that will be shipped to international markets from the Port of Churchill,” he said in a release.
“As a locally owned and operated Canadian organization, backed by 41 Indigenous and Bayline communities, Arctic Gateway Group will continue to step up and support working people, creating regional opportunities and diversifying the supply chain networks of this province and country.”
At a time when international trade is front-and-centre due to tariffs from the U.S., the investment builds on previous investments supporting the Northern community.
“As a maritime province located in the heart of North America, Manitoba is strategically positioned to ship commodities, critical minerals and natural resources,” said Lisa Naylor, Manitoba’s transportation and infrastructure minister.
“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.”
The $36.4 million investment will be delivered to the AGG over a two-year period.
