By Pattison Media

Additional investment being made at the Port of Churchill

Feb 25, 2026 | 4:26 PM

Federal and Provincial Governments will provide $262.5 million for improvements to a northern port. 

The federal government will contribute $180 million, with the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba providing the remaining funding. 

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is encouraged by the major infrastructure investment into Arctic Gateway Group’s (AGG) Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway network. The trade corridor connects Prairie producers to global markets, expanding opportunities for Saskatchewan’s grain, potash, minerals, and energy exports.  

SARM President Bill Huber said he’s hopeful that this new funding will help get the Port of Churchill up and running, sooner, rather than later. 

“If the money comes through fairly quickly, I think there’s plans underway already for expansion and improvements to the railway. So, I think things will probably, once spring arrives, there’ll be discussions and a lot of activity going on and planning in the next months ahead,” Huber said. “I would think within a year or two, we’ll see some huge improvements and some commitment to exactly what will be done for improvements and for the investment to be completed in time.”  

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Partnerships with Saskatchewan communities and industry are also taking shape. The Town and RM of Tisdale, under Invest Tisdale, announced a collaboration with AGG in September 2024 to promote two-way rail traffic. Also, Genesis Fertilizers has signed a letter of intent to import 300,000 tonnes of phosphate annually through Churchill for blending at its Belle Plaine facility. 

Originally built to ship wheat in 1931, the Port of Churchill is now positioned to move a wide variety of goods, including lumber, petroleum products, sulphur, grains, and containerized freight, to and from global destinations.  

The Port of Churchill corridor creates additional routes for Prairie products to reach international markets more efficiently, reducing shipping times and costs for Saskatchewan producers and processors. 

Huber said rural communities stand to benefit from the new jobs, infrastructure improvements, and business opportunities that come with a modern, reliable northern corridor.  

“SARM is pleased to see all levels of government working together to support rural economic growth and position Saskatchewan as a key player in Canada’s future trade network,” he added. 

AGG, which owns and manages the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway, has already made substantial progress with a second weekly freight train now operating along the Hudson Bay Railway following new conductor training and hiring programs. 

A new critical mineral storage facility will triple Churchill’s capacity, and new monitoring technology including LiDAR, ground-penetrating radar, aerial drones, and AI-powered analytics will enhance reliability and safety. 

With growing trade volumes, cutting-edge technology, and strong government collaboration, the Port of Churchill is set to become a key northern hub in Canada’s national supply chain, linking rural producers in Saskatchewan and across the Prairies to global markets. 

The Port of Churchill and rail line will be discussed at the SARM Annual Convention on March 10. 

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com