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First Nations, private firm agree to acquire Hudson Bay rail line

Rail News Home Short Lines & Regionals 5/4/2018 Rail News: Short Lines & Regionals
image The port and the rail line are crucial to the existence of all First Nations in northern Manitoba, First Nations leaders say.Photo – portofchurchill.ca

A group of Manitoba First Nations — through a newly formed partnership with private Canadian company iChurchill Inc. — has entered into an acquisition agreement with OmniTRAX Inc. and the Port of Churchill to acquire the Hudson Bay Railway Co. in Manitoba.

The rail line, which operates between Gillam and Churchill, has been inoperable since portions of it were washed out by floods in May 2017.

The railroad and port are crucial to the existence of all First Nations in northern Manitoba, according to a press release issued by First Nations and iChurchill.

"My community is directly impacted as this line goes directly through our community and territory," said War Lake First Nation Chief Betsy Kennedy.

The press release does not mention OmniTRAX by name.

The consortium and iChurchill plan on issuing requests for proposals to repair the line in the coming days so that service can be restored as soon as possible, the press release stated.

"We are proud to have formed this historic partnership and are excited to be working together with the First Nations to restore rail service to Churchill and build a successful business that protects the sustainability of these vital assets well into the future," said iChurchill President Louis Dufresne.

The two entities anticipate the acquisition will be completed by mid-June and that the rail line repairs can be completed by fall.

OmniTRAX has declined to make the repairs related to the flooding, claiming they were "not economically feasible" and that the Canadian government should cover the cost.

Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.

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