Friday, June 5, 2026
Aecon Group Inc. and Arctic Gateway Group, an Indigenous and community-owned business, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on infrastructure development at the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway, the companies said in a joint announcement.
Under the agreement, the two companies will pursue project opportunities aimed at strengthening Canada’s northern trade corridor and Arctic sovereignty. Aecon will contribute its construction and infrastructure expertise, while Arctic Gateway Group will leverage its Indigenous and economic development leadership in northern Canada. Both parties said the work will prioritize job creation, training and opportunities for Indigenous and northern people and businesses.
“Aecon is proud to partner with Arctic Gateway Group through this collaboration agreement – bringing Aecon’s multidisciplinary expertise to explore infrastructure solutions that support Indigenous-led development, economic reconciliation, trade diversification, access to new markets and Arctic security,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, president and CEO of Aecon Group Inc.
The Port of Churchill is Canada’s only deep-water northern seaport with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and a connection to the continental rail network through the Hudson Bay Railway. Arctic Gateway Group operates both assets; its ownership group comprises 29 First Nations and 12 remote northern Manitoba communities.
Arctic Gateway Group is planning to modernize the Port of Churchill with new terminals and year-round operations, as well as upgrade the Hudson Bay Railway to modern industrial weight standards that connect with Canada’s Class 1 rail network.
“The continued development of this project is a nation-building opportunity to transform the Port of Churchill as Canada’s Arctic and Northern gateway, while delivering lasting national and local benefits for generations to come,” said Tim Murphy, executive vice president and chief strategic affairs officer of Aecon Group Inc.
Chris Avery, president and CEO of Arctic Gateway Group, said the partnership will strengthen the company’s infrastructure planning. “Working together, we can ensure that all development of AGG’s infrastructure assets creates good jobs and opportunities for Indigenous and northern people, with lasting community benefits,” he said.
Featured image: (Aecon)
