Latest news with #ChrisAvery
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Arctic Gateway Group touts upgrades to northern Manitoba railway, Port of Churchill
The Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill are doubling the number of weekly freight trains and tripling storage capacity of critical minerals at Canada's only deepwater Arctic port. 'It's about making sure Churchill is ready to serve Canadians as a major Arctic hub for trade and supply,' said Arctic Gateway Group CEO Chris Avery, the head of the company that's owned by 29 First Nations and the northern communities it serves. 'The country is actively exploring how we build and secure projects of national importance, and the Port of Churchill is very much part of that conversation.' New federal legislation fast-tracks infrastructure projects deemed to be in the 'national interest' after U.S. President Donald Trump upended that country's reliable trading relationship with Canada. SUPPLIED Last summer, rail cars carried 10,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate to the port — marking the first shipment of a critical mineral from Churchill in more than 20 years. This year, they planned to double that amount. SUPPLIED Last summer, rail cars carried 10,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate to the port — marking the first shipment of a critical mineral from Churchill in more than 20 years. This year, they planned to double that amount. Premier Wab Kinew has lobbied for one of those projects to be in Manitoba, and supports an energy and critical minerals trade corridor to Hudson Bay. Fox Lake Cree Nation's subsidiary, NeeStaNan, proposes to build an Arctic port south of Churchill, at Port Nelson, to export liquefied natural gas and other products to Europe. When asked if he's concerned about another port becoming an option in Manitoba, Avery pointed to the benefits of the Churchill location: its port is open for business, the town has infrastructure and services, including a hospital, a 9,200-foot runway that can accommodate any size aircraft, and a rail line that connects the port to the rest of North America. The first Arctic supply ship of the season was being loaded with essential goods, building material and construction equipment Tuesday, destined for the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, he said. 'I'm sure that there are lots of people in the Kivalliq region today who are waiting for their brand-new trucks and vehicles.' JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The port has tripled the size of its storage facility for critical minerals and other bulk material, and is being upgraded to diversify the goods it can handle and increase shipping traffic. The port has tripled the size of its storage facility for critical minerals and other bulk material, and is being upgraded to diversify the goods it can handle and increase shipping traffic. He said Arctic Gateway Group has a long-standing relationship with Kivalliq communities and partnerships in place for expanded growth. They're establishing a reliable transportation corridor for Canada's North that serves the trade, transportation, and security needs of a changing Arctic, he said. The addition of a second weekly freight train is more than just a schedule change, Avery said. 'It reflects the fact that the railway is in the best condition that it's been in for over 25 years.' The rail line was sold to Americans, who then refused to repair it after flooding in 2017 washed out sections of rail bed. It was purchased by northern communities that rely on it, and has required governments to invest millions of dollars to get it in good shape. New technologies, including drone surveillance, ground-penetrating radar and AI-driven data analysis 'are helping us monitor conditions in real time and take actions before problems emerge,' said Avery. Ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's Indigenous summit Thursday, a group of 10 Manitoba First Nations formally expressed support for a proposed energy trade corridor to ship liquefied natural gas from Port Nelson on Hudson Bay. 'Nation-building projects that will fall under the purview of the One Canadian Economy Act offer tremendous opportunities for our First Nations,' Chemawawin Cree Nation Chief and Assini Group Inc. president Clarence Easter said in a news release. Ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's Indigenous summit Thursday, a group of 10 Manitoba First Nations formally expressed support for a proposed energy trade corridor to ship liquefied natural gas from Port Nelson on Hudson Bay. 'Nation-building projects that will fall under the purview of the One Canadian Economy Act offer tremendous opportunities for our First Nations,' Chemawawin Cree Nation Chief and Assini Group Inc. president Clarence Easter said in a news release. 'This is why we formally support the development of a trade route and utility corridor to Hudson Bay, in full partnership with Fox Lake Cree Nation, NeeStaNan, and other interested Treaty 5 and 6 Nations, as a means of advancing economic self-determination, regional prosperity, and sustainable development.' NeeStaNan has received federal approval to explore exporting liquefied natural gas, and proposes building a transport facility at Port Nelson, south of Churchill. The Assini Group Inc. First Nation partners include Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Chemawawin Cree Nation, Norway House Cree Nation, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, God's Lake Narrows First Nation, Marcel Colomb Cree Nation, Mosakahiken Cree Nation, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation and Fox Lake Cree Nation. 'We have been moving forward to establish economic development in our communities and we see this summit as a first conversation with the Government of Canada to unlock the potential that exists for our communities, our elders and our youth,' Easter said. The news release followed an Arctic Gateway Group news conference Tuesday, touting investments and upgrades in its Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill for shipping bulk commodities, such as critical minerals and supplies to the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. 'Both sites show they could have good potential, noting they deal with separate market opportunities,' said Robert Parsons, a supply chain expert who teaches at the University of Manitoba. He said Arctic Gateway Group is focused on what Churchill has done and can do, acting as an export point for a range of bulk-solid products, including grains, potash, and mineral ore concentrates, which it has experience handling. It's also a supply and distribution point for goods to communities on the Hudson Bay coast, including Nunavut. It could serve as an export point to international markets for critical minerals where Canada — which has lagged behind other countries in developing them — has an advantage. '(It) will depend on solid, economically viable critical-mineral projects in the region and on their associated business cases,' said Parsons, who has master degrees in business administration and chemical engineering. Churchill, he said, is not really suitable for gaseous or liquid export products, especially anything classified as dangerous goods. It does act as a distribution point for fossil fuels like gasoline, diesel and propane, but in distribution quantities, not export quantities. — Carol Sanders The port has tripled the size of its storage facility for critical minerals and other bulk material, and is being upgraded to diversify the goods it can handle and increase shipping traffic, the CEO said. 'We're also in talks with other organizations about potentially storing other materials in that facility — whether it's things such as phosphates coming from Europe or potash coming from the south,' he said. Last summer, rail cars carried 10,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate to the port — marking the first shipment of a critical mineral from Churchill in more than 20 years. This year, they planned to double that amount, Avery said. 'I think we've unloaded something like 60 carloads of zinc concentrate already in Churchill and there's more on the way.' Wildfires in northern Manitoba this summer have put a crimp on shipments from Hudbay Minerals' Snow Lake mine, which had to close temporarily owing to mandatory evacuations. 'Those are headwinds for us, but those are really short-term things,' Avery said. 'We're working with our partners to meet their needs and… we expect to be there for them as they continue to produce critical minerals,' he said. 'This is a big deal for Manitoba, Nunavut and Western Canada — regions rich in mineral resources that the world needs,' said Avery. 'Churchill is ready to be part of Canada's critical mineral solution, helping producers move their product to markets efficiently and reliably.' Wednesdays A weekly dispatch from the head of the Free Press newsroom. Carol SandersLegislature reporter Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol. Every piece of reporting Carol produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Infrastructure upgrades on the way for Port of Churchill
The Port of Churchill – the country's only Arctic seaport serviced by rail – is undergoing some major upgrades. Arctic Gateway Group, the owner and operator of the port, announced the enhancements on Tuesday, saying the changes will expand freight operations, strengthen the trade corridor and refresh the port. The upgrades include a second weekly wayfreight train operating along the Hudson Bay Railway and a new critical mineral storage facility that will triple the port's storage capacity. In the coming months, modernization work will also begin at the port, including refacing the wharf. 'The Port of Churchill is primed to become a major Canadian trade asset,' said Chris Avery, CEO of Arctic Gateway Group, in a news release. 'The investments we are making are setting the stage for a new era of growth and Northern economic activity, unlocking the trade and transportation potential of Canada's Arctic Trade Corridor to better serve the Canadian national interest.' Arctic Gateway Group also announced the first Arctic supply ship of the season arrived at the port over the weekend, loading up construction equipment, essential goods and building materials to be exported to Nunavut.
CBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Manitoba must prepare for year-round Hudson Bay shipping access, port owner says
Social Sharing Year-round shipping access through Hudson Bay is a possibility that Manitoba needs to get ready for, and the head of the group that owns the Port of Churchill says it's possible to strike a balance between environmental concerns and tourism interests. Trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. have sparked renewed interest in the Port of Churchill, with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew saying it could be a good option for increased trade with Europe and expansion could fit with the federal government's plan for nation-building infrastructure. The port, which has a brief operational window each summer, is owned and operated by Arctic Gateway Group, a partnership of dozens of First Nations and Hudson Bay communities. Chris Avery, Arctic Gateway Group's CEO, said University of Manitoba researchers expect climate change will completely open up sea lanes in Hudson Bay within the "generation of our kids or our grandkids." "We need to start preparing for that," he said at a news conference Tuesday. In recent years, the federal and provincial governments have invested millions of dollars in the railway line and port as a way to secure a trade route through Hudson Bay and the Arctic to overseas markets. While interest in the port has renewed under current economic strains, so too have environmental concerns. Kinew has been open to the idea of a pipeline and a second port on the bay that might have a longer ice-free season and be farther away from the sensitive ecology in the Churchill area. However, Avery cited the Port of Vancouver — Canada's largest port — as an example of a Canadian port that successfully strikes a balance between environmental concerns and tourism interests. "It can be done." Avery also said Arctic Gateway is not focused on the idea of a second port on Hudson Bay. A map of the proposed NeeStaNan corridor suggests it would terminate at Port Nelson, a ghost town at the mouth of the Nelson River. Avery says beluga whales are known to gather at the mouth of the Nelson River, which presents a challenge, and that any additional ports on Hudson Bay will face issues. He also said, unlike Port Nelson, Churchill has established infrastructure that can support up to 5,000 people. Avery's comments come as Arctic Gateway Group announced upgrades to Churchill's port. A second weekly freight train is now chugging along the Hudson Bay Railway, allowing more goods to be shipped more frequently to the port, nearby Indigenous communities and Nunavut, Arctic Gateway said Tuesday. Avery said the move shows the railway — which has endured lengthy service disruptions in the past — is now "in its best condition in more than 30 years." Over the weekend, the port also sent out its first Arctic supply ship of the season, carrying supplies such as construction equipment, essential goods and building materials to Nunavut's Kivalliq region, Avery said. A new critical mineral storage facility has been completed at the port, tripling the amount of critical minerals that can be stored there, he said. The port's wharf is also expected to be refaced this year.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
More frequent trains, expanded storage touted in northern Manitoba trade corridor
WINNIPEG — The company that owns a rail line and port in northern Manitoba has increased its capacity to transport goods, as governments eye potential growth in trade through Hudson Bay to overseas markets. Officials with Arctic Gateway Group said Tuesday a new dedicated critical mineral storage facility has been built at the Port of Churchill, tripling the port's storage capacity for critical minerals. A second weekly way freight train, which brings goods to isolated communities, is now operating along the company's Hudson Bay Railway, which ends in Churchill. The boost has been made possible by money spent on infrastructure to make the track more reliable, as well as staff training, the company said. 'The Port of Churchill is primed to become a major Canadian trade asset," Arctic Gateway Group CEO Chris Avery said. The federal and provincial governments have invested millions of dollars in the rail line and port, partly to boost trade but also to ensure goods and people can get to communities such as Churchill — a town of 900 on the coast of Hudson Bay that is not accessible by road. The town also ships supplies to some communities in Nunavut and is an ecotourist hub known for polar bears and beluga whales. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has said the region could be a good route for increased trade with Europe and expansion could fit with the federal government's plan for nation-building infrastructure. Kinew has been open to the idea of a pipeline to the region, as well as a second port on the bay that might have a longer ice-free season and be further away from the sensitive ecology in the Churchill area. Avery said the Port of Churchill has good infrastructure in place already and the ice-free season is expected to expand with climate change. "We believe that the sea lanes can be open up to six months of the year already," Avery said. Unlike a potential second port, Churchill already has supporting infrastructure ranging from an airport with a long runway to a townsite with a hospital and other services, Avery added. Kinew has said he's open to different options, but the private sector has to put forward ideas. A trade corridor could ship Manitoba's low-carbon hydroelectricity westward to the other Prairie provinces, Kinew said last month, and a pipeline heading the other direction could carry oil, liquefied natural gas or other material. The Port of Churchill's shipping season is just getting underway following the spring ice breakup. The port is expecting critical mineral shipments, three Nunavut supply vessels and two cruise ships this summer, Avery said. More ships are expected later in the season to carry agricultural exports. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2025 Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Upturn
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Arctic Gateway Group Makes Significant Infrastructure Upgrades
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) is currently undertaking major infrastructure improvements at the Port of Churchill and along the Hudson Bay Railway. With expanded freight operations, new construction at the Port of Churchill, and upcoming port modernization projects, AGG is investing in long-term strength for Canada's Arctic trade corridor. 'The Port of Churchill is primed to become a major Canadian trade asset,' said Chris Avery, CEO, Arctic Gateway Group. 'The investments we are making are setting the stage for a new era of growth and Northern economic activity, unlocking the trade and transportation potential of Canada's Arctic Trade Corridor to better serve the Canadian national interest.' Expanded Freight Operations Now in Effect A second weekly wayfreight train is now operating along the Hudson Bay Railway, following successful efforts to train and hire new conductors for the Northern workforce. This expansion has also been made possible by years of investment in railway rehabilitation and new technologies that keep the railway strong and safe. The Hudson Bay Railway is now in its best condition in more than 30 years. 'This marks a new level of service and reliability along the line,' said Avery. 'We've reached this point by investing in the people and technologies needed to operate safely and reliably in Canada's North.' AGG's investments in hiring and training local conductors and railway staff have deepened the company's workforce capacity, while partnerships with Canadian firms such as TrackSense by DecisionWorks and Aposys have brought new technologies into the field. These include ground-penetrating radar, LiDAR, drone inspections, GPS-tracked maintenance, land-based sensors, and artificial intelligence for data monitoring. New Critical Mineral Storage at the Port of Churchill Construction is now complete on a new critical mineral storage facility at the Port of Churchill. Once operational, it will triple the port's storage capacity for critical minerals, meeting growing demand from the Canadian mining sector and positioning Churchill as a key hub for resource exports. This facility can also support the storage needs of other commodities, such as certain types of potash. 'Manitoba, Nunavut and Western Canada hold vast amounts of critical minerals,' said Avery. 'With more storage capabilities at the Port of Churchill we can better meet the needs of Canadian critical mineral producers looking for new, reliable trade routes.' Port Modernization and Wharf Refacing In the coming months, major modernization work will begin at the Port of Churchill. Work this year includes the refacing of the wharf, ensuring long-term safety and operability as shipping traffic grows. These upgrades will enhance the Port's ability to handle bulk cargo efficiently and safely, and sets the Port up to further diversify export and import commodities. First Arctic Supply Ship The first Arctic supply ship of the 2025 season arrived at the Port of Churchill over the weekend, loading construction equipment, essential goods, and building materials to be exported to the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. AGG has a long-standing relationship with Kivalliq communities, with partnerships in place for expanded growth. 'We're focused on building a resilient transportation corridor that people in the Canadian North can rely on, one that also serves the trade, transportation, and security needs of a changing Arctic,' said Avery. About Arctic Gateway Group The Arctic Gateway Group is a proudly Indigenous- and community-owned Manitoba company that owns and operates the Port of Churchill, Canada's only Arctic seaport serviced by rail, as well as the Hudson Bay Railway, operating 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 world markets. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
