May 01, 2001

Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson today announced that public meetings will be held to examine possible uses for the Churchill Rocket and Research Centre.

"This is an excellent opportunity for corporations and individuals to consider the potential for the future of the Churchill Rocket and Research Centre which could provide a major economic stimulus for the community of Churchill," said Robinson.

"In addition to the attributes of the facility itself, including the buildings and related infrastructure, the community of Churchill has significant transportation infrastructure including the port and the rail line," Robinson noted. "Another key asset of this site is the refurbished airport, which includes a new air terminal building, a repaved apron area, and a soon to be refurbished 9,000-foot runway capable of handling any size of aircraft.

"The public open houses and the questionnaires which are being mailed to interested parties will allow us to examine options for the future development of the site which will complement any future business launch."

The Churchill Rocket and Research Centre Committee, comprising key representatives from the Town of Churchill and the Government of Manitoba, was established to examine alternate uses of the Churchill Rocket and Research Centre. The committee is urging members of the larger community, universities, industry, government agencies, private organizations and individuals to share their views on future commercial uses of the range.

Located 24 kilometres east of the community of Churchill, the Churchill Rocket and Research Range has two operational launch buildings and a well maintained blockhouse, used primarily as the launch control centre. The centre, which was originally constructed by the Canadian and American military during the 1950s and rebuilt in 1964, has been a major centre of activity for Canada's aerospace industry. During its 40-year operational history, more than 3,500 rockets were launched making Churchill the most active launch site in the world.

Over the last number of years, activity at the centre has been limited. The last rocket launch occurred in April of 1998. Since that time a group of proponents has been exploring options for the future use of the centre.

"We view these meetings as a productive way to examine different options for the development of the site," said Industry, Trade and Mines Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk. "We encourage all those who have ideas and views on the future of the facility to share them at the meetings."

Public meetings have been scheduled on the following dates:

• Tuesday, May 1, at the Manitoba Planetarium between 7 and 9 p.m.;
• Thursday, May 3, a tour of the Churchill Rocket and Research Centre between 3 and 5 p.m. followed with a public meeting at the Churchill Town Centre between 7 and 9 p.m.

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