Churchill port expansion gains attention after Trump's Greenland threats

Residents and officials in Churchill, Manitoba say U.S. President Donald Trump's public remarks about Greenland have raised interest in a proposed expansion of the port, and federal and provincial planning efforts are underway for a program called "Churchill Plus."

It's bingo night at the Royal Canadian Legion in Churchill, Manitoba, and residents describe world events feeling close to their remote town. U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated public remarks about Greenland and related geopolitical concerns have sharpened attention on a planned multibillion-dollar expansion of the port at Churchill. Arctic Gateway Group (AGG), which operates the port and the Hudson Bay Railway, is promoting the project to open new trade routes and support exports as northern shipping becomes more navigable. The federal and Manitoba governments are collaborating on planning and design work for a program dubbed "Churchill Plus," with funding already committed for the next phase. Key facts: - Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) operates Churchill's port and the railway and is proposing a major expansion to support exports of minerals, fertilizer and energy products. - Churchill is currently ice-free about four months a year and requires significant upgrades to handle an expanded shipping program. - AGG is owned by 29 First Nations and local governments in Manitoba and Nunavut and has repaired rail links damaged in prior years. - Ottawa unveiled an Arctic Foreign Policy in late 2024 aimed at deeper cooperation with regional Arctic allies, and recent events have intensified security discussions. - Prime Minister Mark Carney and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced joint planning and design work for "Churchill Plus," with $262.5 million contributed toward that work and planning expected to be completed this spring. - Some local residents and business operators express hope about development and concern about pressures on services and the environment; some analysts question Churchill's seasonality and suitability for large-scale naval or energy operations. Summary: The renewed focus on Churchill reflects both economic and sovereignty considerations, with local voices noting uncertainty and mixed views about expansion. Federal and provincial planning and design work for "Churchill Plus" is underway and expected to be completed this spring, and the Major Projects Office will decide on funding and approvals as the next formal steps.