KLEIN: Historic milestone achieved: Arctic Gateway Group unveils new facility at Port of Churchill

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In a landmark development, the Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) has proudly announced the completion of a dedicated facility at the Port of Churchill, marking the first new construction at the port in decades. This new building symbolizes a significant step forward in the export of critical minerals through Churchill and heralds the beginning of an expansive development phase for the port and the Hudson Bay rail line.

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“The Port of Churchill is part of Arctic Gateway’s trade corridor, which is improving Canadian companies’ access to international markets,” said AGG Chairperson Mike Spence. “We’re proud to be working with Hudbay to ship critical minerals through the Port for the first time in over two decades.”

This exciting development will see zinc concentrate from Hudbay Minerals arriving in covered gondola rail cars over the next two months, with over 225 cars of material scheduled for export in August 2024. To support this operation, new equipment, including cargo container handlers, skid feeders, expansion hoppers, loaders, and transfer conveyers, has been secured. The material will be stored in the newly constructed enclosed building, a state-of-the-art domed structure built by a Manitoba company, with port employees returning to work early to prepare for this significant undertaking.

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The Port of Churchill’s enhancements are part of a broader initiative that includes historic investments in capital upgrades along the Hudson Bay Rail Line. This year, AGG will undertake extensive improvements, such as replacing 125,000 rail ties, resurfacing 800,000 feet of track, rehabilitating several crossings, replacing turnouts, and upgrading various bridges. A noteworthy project involves replacing a large rail bridge at Mile 179.8 of the Thicket Portage Sub-Division through a phased approach, ensuring uninterrupted freight and passenger service throughout the 2024 construction season.

Since acquiring the Hudson Bay Railway in 2018, AGG has made remarkable strides in restoring and enhancing the track’s condition, enabling the line to provide competitive transportation services. For the third consecutive year, AGG is set to achieve year-over-year increases in resupply exports through the Port of Churchill to Nunavut communities and clients. This construction season alone, almost $60 million is being invested in capital upgrades, equipment purchases, and future development preparations.

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These substantial investments are made possible through the collaborative support and shared vision for a robust Arctic trade corridor by the Government of Manitoba, the Government of Canada, and the Arctic Gateway Group. This partnership is pivotal as AGG advances to the next development phase.

“2024 will be a very active and busy year for AGG. A second freight train per week is being added to expand services to our customers,” said Spence. “Providing training and good jobs in the north means we can continue to play a critical role, not only in economic development and Indigenous reconciliation, but also in advancing Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.”

This new facility and the ongoing upgrades signify a transformative era for the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway, promising enhanced economic opportunities and a strengthened trade corridor that will benefit communities and industries across Canada.

— Kevin Klein is a former Tory cabinet minister, a former city councillor and is the President & CEO of Klein Group Ltd.

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