Churchill shipping study expected to wrap up by end of March

By Ian MacKay

A study assessing the potential to increase shipments through Churchill is expected to conclude by the end of March.

The assessment is gathering industry input on the long-term growth potential of the Port of Churchill Plus project, according to a statement from Prairies Economic Development Canada, commonly known as PrairiesCan.

“Northern Manitoba plays a critical role in Canada’s Arctic trade future,” the statement said.

The study is intended to complement business development efforts by the Arctic Gateway Group, which owns the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway. Organization staff are working with western Canadian commodity producers and resource developers and consulting with international ports and potential customers worldwide.

The federal government is providing nearly $250,000 for the assessment. It involves surveying senior executives in sectors including mining, energy, potash, grain and northern resupply to better understand how infrastructure investments could shape long-term planning.

The study will examine how extended or year-round shipping — supported by icebreaking capacity, a modernized Class 1 railway, an all-season road connection and a potential energy corridor — could influence future import and export strategies, supply-chain decisions and private-sector investment.

Eleanor Olszewski, the federal minister responsible for PrairiesCan, said the assessment reflects Canada’s commitment to reconciliation and to strengthening its sovereign presence in northern and Arctic waters.

“This study is about unlocking the full potential of the Port of Churchill and the rail line that connects northern Manitoba to the world,” said Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew.

Chris Avery, chief executive officer of the Arctic Gateway Group, said the Port of Churchill Plus vision would strengthen the North and could be transformative for shipping through Hudson Bay.

Churchill provides the shortest route from the Prairie provinces to European markets, the statement noted.

The Port of Churchill Plus project includes four components: upgrading the Hudson Bay Railway to Class 1 standards, dedicated marine icebreaking capacity to extend the shipping season, an all-weather road to Churchill and a new energy corridor.

The federal and Manitoba governments are also funding the Arctic Research Foundation to lead a feasibility study on deploying specialized icebreakers, ice tugs and research vessels to support year-round operations at Churchill.