September 16, 2006

Churchill will see a $1.2-million investment in the operation of its Town Centre Complex under an agreement between the Province of Manitoba and the Town of Churchill, Transportation and Government Services Minister Ron Lemieux announced today.

“As Manitoba’s only seaport, Churchill anchors the northern end of the mid-continent trade corridor which is crucial to the province’s economy and a key link in our Northern Development Strategy,” said Lemieux.  “Development of this community is good for Canada, northern sovereignty and security.”

Under a memorandum of understanding, the province will invest $1.2 million for utilities and operating costs and provide two quarterly instalments of annual funding.  The new agreement outlines the responsibilities of the province and the town in the funding and operation of the complex which houses the remote community’s hospital, school and local government offices.

“Churchill is realizing its vast potential as we can see with its emergence as an international eco-tourism destination, a growing global commercial port and a vital link with Nunavut,” said Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Eric Robinson, speaking in Churchill today on behalf of Lemieux.  

The agreement also increases the subsidy provided by the province to Churchill to cover operational expenses and establishes an annual budget review process.

The agreement brings to $6.7 million the total provincial operating grants for the northern community’s town complex since 1999.  In addition, Manitoba has spent $7.7 million on capital upgrades and improvements to Churchill’s hospital, $5.6 million on upgrades to the complex and is currently building a $12.3-million school.   

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