Monday, February 23, 2026
The Government Canada, alongside partners including the Manitoba government, the Major Projects Office (MPO), and the Arctic Gateway Group (AGG), announced the launch of a market sounding study to gather industry input on the long-term growth potential of the Port of Churchill Plus project.
The study will complement the ongoing business development efforts of the Arctic Gateway Group (AGG). As owners of the port and Hudson Bay Railway, AGG is actively expanding import and export activity through Churchill, including working with Western Canadian commodity producers and resource developers, as well as engaging with international ports and potential customers around the world.
“The Port of Churchill is set to play a central role in our government’s vision to build a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy that is better connected to global markets. By ensuring that we are investing strategically, we are creating new opportunities for northern communities and Canadian businesses, supporting Indigenous economic leadership and strengthening our sovereignty. These efforts continue to position Canada as a forward-looking country, by seizing the opportunities of global trade,” said Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport.
Building on this progress, the market sounding exercise will engage senior executives across key sectors — including mining, energy, potash, grain and northern resupply — to better understand how transformative infrastructure investments could shape long-term planning. In particular, the study will explore how extended or year-round shipping supported by icebreaking, a modernized Class 1 railway, an all-season road connection, as well as a potential energy corridor could influence future import and export strategies, supply chain decisions, and private sector investment.
“This study is about unlocking the full potential of the Port of Churchill and the rail line that connects northern Manitoba to the world. Working hand in hand with the federal government, Manitoba has made significant progress to advance this project that will help Canadian goods reach new markets year-round, creating good jobs along the way. Churchill is Canada’s strategic northern gateway and by working with the federal government, Indigenous nations, the Manitoba Crown-Indigenous Corporation, and the private sector, we’re building a more resilient and free Canadian economy,” said Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba.
The findings will inform future decision-making in partnership with the federal and provincial governments as well as Indigenous leaders and support the continued development of Churchill as Canada’s Arctic and Northern trade gateway.
“Port of Churchill Plus is a vision for a stronger north and would be transformative for the economics of shipping through Hudson Bay. As Arctic Gateway continues to build up our business and trade enabling infrastructure in the north, we are actively advancing the foundational elements of Port of Churchill Plus so we can move forward with speed and determination, which will ultimately help Canada diversify trade, expand access to new markets, advance economic reconciliation, and strengthen Arctic security,” said Chris Avery, President & CEO, Arctic Gateway Group.
The Government of Canada is investing up to $248,600 in the market sounding study, which is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.
In September 2025, the Port of Churchill Plus project was identified by the MPO on its transformative strategies list. It has four elements:
- Upgrading the Hudson Bay Railway to Class 1 standards.
- Dedicated marine ice-breaking capacity to extend the shipping season.
- All weather road to Churchill.
- New energy corridor.
Featured image: (Arctic Gateway Group)
