WINNIPEG – A group of people involved with the task force on the future of the port of Churchill are taking the first step toward revitalizing the port this week.
After meeting with western diversification minister Lloyd Axworthy in Ottawa last week, they got the go-ahead to set up Gateway North, a marketing agency that will promote the port.
“I’m very, very pleased,” said Arnold Grambo, chair of the Hudson Bay Route Association. “Maybe ecstatic is too strong, but very pleased.”
Grambo said the agency will be up and running for this season and added the first two years will be critical.
Read Also
Agri-business and farms front and centre for Alberta’s Open Farm Days
Open Farm Days continues to enjoy success in its 14th year running, as Alberta farms and agri-businesses were showcased to increase awareness on how food gets to the dinner plate.
The agency must “prove to buyers and sellers that Churchill is the best deal in town,” he said.
As well, according to Churchill mayor Doug Webber, the possible privatization of CN Rail has thrown a new wrinkle into plans, since someone from CN will likely sit on the board of the agency.
Gateway North will also have to lobby to get a so-far uncommitted $27 million to ensure that developments at the port go ahead. Grambo said $9 million is needed for dust control at the elevator this season.
“Although certainly we don’t have a cheque, the vibrations I got from Mr. Axworthy were that certainly he would see that (dust control) got done,” Grambo said.
Webber said although funding for the rest of the project has not been secured, he felt reassured that it will come into place once Gateway North gets going.
“Let’s face it, they’re not going to throw away $300,000 … to not follow along with the next step,” Webber said.
The task force report estimated it will cost $300,000 a year to run the marketing agency.
“If we do the Gateway North marketing agency correctly, I think everybody’s going to see that it’s in the best interests of everybody to chip in and make sure all the rest happens,” Grambo said.
Grambo said the marketing agency will target farmers in addition to the usual group of buyers and sellers because farmers can now choose a port for their grain with the Crow subsidy gone.
