WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Nov. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) welcomes today's announcements from the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada, highlighting continued progress in the Major Projects Office (MPO) process and outlining the overall work plan that will guide the next phases of the Churchill Plus Port development.
Chris Avery, president and CEO of AGG, said the announcement strengthens the partnership needed to position Churchill for its next chapter as a major Canadian port.
“As the Port of Churchill Plus plan moves forward, AGG is focused on building critical trade infrastructure assets and preparing the port to take on its new role as a major Canadian port,” Avery said. “The strong commitments from Manitoba and Canada give us the tools to continue to modernize our operations and prepare for a broader range of global trade opportunities.”
The governments also confirmed support for the Hudson Bay Icebreaker feasibility study, which complements ongoing work by AGG and the private sector, including FedNav, a major Canadian shipping company with extensive Arctic experience, to better understand the long-term needs for safe and reliable year-round maritime transport from Churchill. In addition, research is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Manitoba to better understand shifting Arctic waterways and climate change.
New Manitoba funding, combined with previously announced federal investments, will allow AGG to accelerate several important updates, including:
- Preparing to advance preliminary engineering work that sets the path to bringing the Hudson's Bay Railroad to Class 1 standard.
- New storage and loading systems to handle a wider range of commodities, including critical minerals, potash and Arctic supplies.
- Additional marine vessels and equipment to improve the safety and efficiency of port operations as maritime traffic increases.
- Further modernization of the port pier and basic infrastructure.
- Further investment in track reliability and resilience, strengthening a line vital to northern communities and customers traveling to and through Churchill.
Mike Spence, chairman of the AGG board of directors, said the announcement reflected growing agreement between governments and northern partners.
“This is another strong step forward for the 41 northern and First Nations communities that own the Arctic Gateway Group,” Spence said. “Northern communities have always believed in the potential of this corridor. Today's announcement helps ensure that AGG can continue to strengthen the port and the Hudson Bay Railroad for years to come.”
Avery added: “The momentum behind Churchill is real. Working closely with Manitoba, Canada, and northern and Indigenous partners, we are building a modern, sustainable Arctic trade corridor that diversifies Canadian trade routes, moves Western Canadian resources to overseas markets and supports northern communities, Canadian industry and Canada's presence in the North.”
About the Arctic Gateway group of companies
Arctic Gateway Group is a Manitoba First Nations and community-owned company that owns and operates the Port of Churchill, Canada's only Arctic seaport served by rail, as well as the Hudson Bay Railway, which runs from The Pas to Churchill. Together, this northern infrastructure forms the nexus of Canada's Arctic Trade Corridor, providing a reliable and efficient route for Canadian resources to access global markets.
The photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/86df063e-39a6-4972-9414-98ce13579284
