Ottawa considers expanding the Port of Churchill into a year-round trade hub

Ottawa has flagged a proposal called Port of Churchill Plus to upgrade the northern Manitoba port into a year-round, multi-commodity hub; the port currently operates about four months a year. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is visiting Churchill to meet residents and discuss the port and related announcements.

Ottawa is examining a major expansion of the Port of Churchill under a plan called Port of Churchill Plus that would turn the northern Manitoba facility into a year-round, multi-commodity trade hub. Churchill sits on Hudson Bay and is also known for its wildlife and tourism. The port now operates roughly four months a year and has not returned to the larger role it once played in the local economy. Local residents and leaders say the proposal could bring jobs back to the community and change its economic mix. Key facts: - The federal project is being referred to as Port of Churchill Plus and aims to upgrade the port for year-round, multi-commodity operations that would link Western Canada to the North and the Atlantic via Hudson Bay. - The Port of Churchill currently operates about four months annually. - Churchill has a population of under 1,000 people and is accessible only by rail and air. - Tourism brings about 25,000 visitors a year to the town and employs roughly 350 people, according to local officials. - Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is scheduled to visit Churchill for a tourism roundtable, a marine conservation funding announcement and a town hall with residents. - The town's mayor described the potential investment as a rare opportunity and local leaders have said any upgrades would need to be balanced with the tourism economy. Summary: Local leaders and residents say the port project could restore jobs and diversify Churchill's economy, which now relies heavily on tourism. Manitoba's premier will hear from residents during a scheduled visit, and officials have not yet finalized the scope or timeline of the Port of Churchill Plus proposal. Further details and decisions are undetermined at this time.