Challenges and opportunities: Climate change, rail talks bring both to Churchill
CHURCHILL, Man. — A northern Manitoba community on the shore of Hudson Bay is having an identity crisis.
The port of Churchill was once bustling with ships laden with grain bound for markets. Now, the ships docked at the port are bringing essential supplies in rather than transporting anything out.
Last year, severe spring flooding washed out parts of the only rail line — and lifeline — to what’s known as the polar bear capital of the world. Propane is being brought to Churchill by marine vessel for the first time.
Supplies for businesses are also coming in on ships or by air, at an exorbitant price. A head of broccoli runs at $7.49 and a 650-gram brick of cheese costs more than $17.