The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce continued its 2026 Economic Development Tour series this week with a two-day visit to Churchill, bringing together business leaders to explore the critical role the community plays in Manitoba’s economic future.
Participants experienced firsthand the industries, organizations, and infrastructure shaping Churchill’s economy, while learning how Northern Manitoba is creating opportunities in trade, transportation, research, tourism, and economic development.
Welcome to the Port of Churchill
After a hearty meal prepared by the team at Lazy Bear Lodge, participants visited the Port of Churchill, where Mayor Mike Spence welcomed the group and shared his perspectives on the community and its future. The group then heard from Chris Avery, President and CEO of Arctic Gateway Group, who spoke about the Port’s growing role in strengthening Canada’s trade network.
As the only deep-water Arctic port in North America connected to the continental rail network, the Port of Churchill provides western Canadian industries with a strategic gateway to international markets for commodities including critical minerals, potash, agricultural products, and petrochemicals.
During the tour, Avery shared, “It is in support of our national goals to diversify our trade. We need to drive Canada forward as an energy forward economy. We need to assert our sovereignty in the North. Finally, we need to advance Indigenous economic reconciliation”.
Beluga Tour with Lazy Bear Expeditions
Day two began on the Churchill River with a beluga viewing experience hosted by Lazy Bear Expeditions. After adding a few waterproof layers, participants boarded boats for an up- close encounter with Churchill’s famous beluga whale population while learning about the whales’ annual migration, behaviour, and the unique ecosystem of the Churchill River estuary.
The tour also highlighted the significant role that nature-based tourism plays in Churchill’s economy. As one of Canada’s premier wildlife tourism destinations, Churchill attracts thousands of visitors from around the world each year, supporting local businesses, creating employment opportunities, and showcasing northern Manitoba on the global stage.
For participants, the experience provided more than unforgettable wildlife sightings. It offered a firsthand look at how the community has leveraged its unique natural assets to build a resilient and internationally recognized tourism sector.
University of Manitoba’s Churchill Marine Observatory
The group then visited the University of Manitoba’s Churchill Marine Observatory (CMO) to learn about the world-class research taking place in northern Manitoba. Located adjacent to North America’s only deepwater Arctic port connected to the continental Class 1 rail network, the globally unique, multidisciplinary facility supports research on Arctic climate change, environmental monitoring, marine transportation, and the detection and mitigation of oil spills in ice-covered waters.
The CMO is the first of its kind in the world, offering unparalleled opportunities to address critical issues in the Arctic, and is strengthening Manitoba’s leadership in Northern and Arctic research.
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Participants then toured the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, where business leaders learned about the Centre’s role as a leading hub for northern research, education, and sustainability. As an independent, non-profit field station, the Centre welcomes researchers, students, and visitors from around the world to advance understanding of the North and its unique environment.
Participants gained insight into how the Centre collaborates with researchers, local communities, and industry to support northern research and long-term environmental and economic sustainability. One example is its hydroponic gardens, which provide fresh, affordable greens to the Churchill community year-round while demonstrating innovative approaches to food security in the North.
Frontiers North Tundra Buggy
Participants then ventured onto the tundra aboard a Frontiers North Tundra Buggy, where they learned how innovation is helping position Churchill as a global leader in sustainable Arctic tourism.
John Gunter, CEO of Frontiers North Adventures, highlighted Churchill’s three economic pillars: tourism, science, and Arctic resupply. He shared how Frontiers North led the development of the world’s first fleet of electric tundra buggies, driving the creation of new vehicle technology that has reduced diesel use by 97%, created 12 green jobs in Manitoba, and enhanced the visitor experience through quieter tours that allow guests to better experience the tundra. This story highlighted how innovation in Churchill is driving economic growth, advancing new technologies, and creating opportunities in industries across Manitoba.
Churchill Town Centre Complex
After a quick photo at the iconic Miss Piggy plane wreck, participants wrapped up the day with a tour of the Churchill Town Centre Complex which is home to the Churchill Health Centre, Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 school, library, swimming pool, theatre, hockey arena, fitness facilities, and a variety of community spaces. Serving as the heart of the community, the tour highlighted the investments and amenities that support residents’ quality of life while making Churchill an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.
Why Churchill’s Economic Opportunities Matter
Throughout the tour, participants saw firsthand that Churchill is a strategic asset for Manitoba and Canada, where infrastructure, innovation, research, and collaboration are creating opportunities that reach far beyond the North.
As global trade evolves and investment in Arctic development grows, Churchill is uniquely positioned to strengthen Manitoba’s economy, expand access to international markets, and demonstrate how innovation and partnership can drive long-term economic growth.
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Thank you to the organizations that welcomed our delegation, shared their expertise, and provided behind-the-scenes access throughout the tour. We also extend our appreciation to all participants for joining us to explore the partnerships, industries, and opportunities helping shape the future of northern Manitoba.
Unlock exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the communities driving Manitoba’s economy by participating in an MCC Economic Development Tour.
