CHURCHILL MANITOBA – Gateway to Canada’s Future
All but ignored by Canada’s federal governments for decades. Churchill is a key to Canada’s future. The government did recently help repair the lone railway line to Churchill. But only after the old rail line was washed out cutting Churchill off from civilization for years. And yes in 2020 there was a whole 1 million dollars designated for Churchill development of which $277,700 went to Thompson Manitoba or Winnipeg. The rest was spread over 12 small projects. Churchill is a Jeopardy question only the brightest could answer correctly. Canadian city on the Hudson’s Bay coast.
A Vision for Churchill
We in the Cabin have a vision for Churchill. Churchill as the gateway to Canada’s north, the key to northern development, the key to Canadas northern sovereignty, and the key to a robust Canadian economy.
Churchill has the only deep-water port on Canada’s north coast. In the past election, the Conservative party proposed development of a naval base in Churchill. But, even this proposal would have been far too small. A proper vision for Churchill would expand Churchill’s commercial port, develop a fully integrated commercial port, RCN base, and CCG facility with sufficient docks and facilities to support an expanded commercial port facility, Canadian arctic naval resources, and a major base for Coast Guard assets (Icebreakers, Patrol and Search and Rescue facilities). The government should then expand the airport facilities in Churchill to include a northern Air Force base supporting long-range patrol aircraft, search and rescue aircraft, cargo aircraft and air defence fighter resources. A new army base in Churchill dedicated to maintaining the Canadian army’s arctic capability.
To facilitate this large and ambitious project, new railway lines should be built from Ottawa via Sudbury, and from Winnipeg and Edmonton to Churchill. Once completed these rail lines would create a large transport hub which would in turn develop an international trade route from Churchill through Hudson’s Bay and the Hudson’s Strait to Europe Effective rail transport from Winnipeg, Toronto, and Edmonton would also encourage settlement alone those lines creating new towns and homes for Canada’s growing population.
Economic effects for Churchill.
Such a development would drive significant infrastructure development in Churchill. Hospital services, educational resources, social services and all of the quality-of-life aspects. Making Churchill a legitimate population hub and a destination for families looking to escape the large urban centres. If this development where managed effectively, Churchill could become a modern, environmentally sound, human friendly, northern community.
The commercial port facility would attract companies focussed on supply to customers both near and far. Nearby First Nations communities along the Hudson’s Bay coast would be significantly affected. Higher volumes of goods shipped to Churchill would in turn mean more goods distributed around the bay. This would drive down the cost of food, goods and services in the whole region.
Strategic Impact
The obvious strategic impact of this vision is the creation of a doorway to the establishment of Canada’s northern coast and establishment of Canada’s sovereignty over our northern territories and the North West Passage.
Development shouldn’t stop at Churchill. From the new bases in Churchill, development would move north with a planned military and Coast Guard support base at Coral Harbour,
Coral Harbour
Coral Harbour on Southhampton Island is located on the northern rim of Hudson’s Bay, During WW2, Coral Harbour was home to a military base.
This project would reintroduce Coral Harbour to that purpose, but in a distinctly different function. A Coast Guard facility at Coral Harbour would be responsible for navigation through northern Hudson’s Bay and into Hudson’s Straight. It would be responsible for search and rescue in the northern Hudson’s Bay area, and it would be an emergency port-of-call for commercial shipping. It would also be a refuelling depot for navy and Coast Guard ships and Its airport would be a jump-off base for aircraft heading into Canada’s far north.
First Nations
All northern development, as described, would have to be in partnership with the Territorial Governments and structured for the benefit of the Indigenous people living there. Total cooperation between the Canadian Government, the Territorial Governments, Indigenous Peoples, and the local communities, would bring economic benefits to the whole region. Included in the benefits would be shorter, more numerous and more heavily travelled transportation routes. Which in turn would create more frequent supplies to northern communities, good paying long-term jobs throughout the region. One specific aim should be to encourage staffing of Coast Guard facilities with as many people from the local communities and with local expertise as possible. Included in this effort should be a Coast Guard training facility somewhere in Canada’s north.
The Final Phase
The final phase of this plan would be the establishment of five Coast Guard facilities and one combined Coast Guard/Military base along the North-West Passage. Location for Coast Guard Stations would be dependent on complexities of navigation, maintenance, medical and logistic support for shipping, etc. (suggested locations for Coast Guard bases are shown on the attached map). Each Coast Guard station would be manned as necessary year-round with the number of personnel on site consistent with the need. Each site would be tasked with installing and maintaining aids to navigation in their assigned region, search and rescue, in their assigned region, and policing and security. The effect of this project would define the sovereignty of Canada’s north and its claims to the North-West Passage.
Far North Combined Coast Guard/ Military Establishment
The Combined Coast Guard and Military establishments at Resolute, would provide more in-depth Coast Guard capability in support of the other sites. With more resources and Command and Control capability. The military establishments would support Canadian security, intelligence gathering, monitoring and marine surveillance.
Summary
If Canada’s politicians had a vision, I think that these things would be done. This plan is doable and realistic. If implemented, Canada’s economy would be positively affected, Our security would be advanced, The lives of many of those on the margins who do not get all of the benefits of living in Canada would be enhanced. And in no small way would our national pride be affected.
I appreciate your comments.
