Port of Churchill study launched and hailed by Manitoba premier

Ottawa has launched a federal study to gather industry views on expanding the Port of Churchill, canvassing about 70 large companies and expected to be completed this spring.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew welcomed the launch of a federal study to gather industry perspectives on expanding the Port of Churchill as a possible export hub and energy corridor. The federal government will lead the study and plans to canvass business leaders at about 70 large companies. Provincial and federal officials have previously committed funding to planning and design work for the port. Arctic Gateway Group, a partnership of 41 First Nations and northern communities, owns and operates the port and will work with the federal government on the study. Key details: - Ottawa will lead a study canvassing about 70 large companies for feedback on the Port of Churchill expansion. - The federal and Manitoba governments committed $262.5-million in November toward coordinated planning and design work for the port. - Arctic Gateway Group, owned by 41 First Nations and northern communities, will participate alongside the federal government in gauging market viewpoints. - The port has historically focused on agricultural exports and has recently handled zinc concentrate shipments. - Industry officials note the port’s short shipping season — it is frozen for about two-thirds of the year — and a University of Manitoba project is examining environmental effects of machinery that might enable extended shipping, such as icebreakers. - Provincial officials have described the port as an important logistical presence for northern supply chains and regional sovereignty. Summary: The study will collect industry feedback that could inform planning and the balance of public and private investment for the Port of Churchill. Governments expect to complete the work this spring and to consider its findings alongside ongoing environmental research at the University of Manitoba.