Opaskwayak Cree Nation has announced a $7 million short-term loan to the Arctic Gateway Group to catalyze the redevelopment of the Port of Churchill and the northern rail lines that feed into it.

The Arctic Gateway Group owns the Port, rail lines, and associated infrastructure and has embarked on a $200 million redevelopment project. Repairing and upgrading the rail lines, which serve as a lifeline to many northern Manitoba communities, will make for more safe and reliable passenger transport and will allow more cargo shipments through Churchill.

The Arctic Gateway Group is 100% owned by the OneNorth Partnership that includes Opaskwayak, the Town of Churchill, and the other communities served by the line.“OpaskwayakCree Nation is fortunate to be in a position to make this loan,” said Onekanew Christian Sinclair. “We believe strongly in this project –it will be good for our community, and for all of the First Nations and municipalities in the region. As part-owners of the project, it’s important to us to do everything we can to support AGG’s efforts.

This loan will help the company get to work on the rail lines while waiting for funding decisions from the federal and provincial governments. It is an investment in ourfuture, and in the future of northern Manitoba.”“This is very welcome news,” said Sheldon Affleck, CEO of the Arctic Gateway Group. “While AGG has applied for funding from the federal and provincial governments, which we are confident of receiving, thiscapital infusion will let us take advantage of the current construction season to accelerate our work improving the rail lines.

The technology we’re using means that we’re going to solve ongoing issues once and for all. Getting the rail lines safe and reliable will be good for communities in the region, and will help us position Churchill as a major international shipping hub, bringing jobs and growth to the region.”