Churchill Weekly Photos

Inukshuk in NWT Ingraham Trail

Ice covered inukshuk along the Ingraham Tail in NWT. Colin Goyman photo.

 

An incredible shot of the aurora borealis over the boreal forest in Churchill. Eddy Savage photo.

These two photos display both the day and night beauty of Churchill and the north’s natural raw landscape! You can only get the real feel of the Arctic and sub – Arctic by taking a trip and immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the land! Come enjoy the north and the fantastic northern lights soon.

Churchill Video of the Week – Polar Bear Family Sighting

We’re now in the season in Churchill when polar bear moms and their cub(s) emerge from their dens in Wapusk National Park and venture over the tundra close to town on their way to the Hudson Bay ice pack. Once there, sows will teach their young polar bear cubs how to hunt seals and also gain some sustenance for themselves after a long winter under the earth and snow in their dens. This video was taken by Quinton Hart in Churchill just a day ago. Everyone should be on the lookout for these bear families along the coast!

Churchill Gas Prices Subsidized

Churchill fuel prices

The deMeulles Auto Gas Bar in Churchill reflects the price of gas prior to the rail line washout. Dale deMeulles photo.

Churchill’s gas prices have been reduced by fifty cents a litre thanks to the federal government accessing the economic stimulus fund once again. With petrol prices nearing the $10/gallon mark, this latest reprieve will keep the cost at about $8/gallon. And we complain about gas prices when they reach $3/gallon or more? Kind of puts things in perspective a little, eh?

With federal findings of a probe of Omnitrax, owner of the Port of Churchill facility and the defunct Hudson Bay Line, due to be released soon, residents are enduring rising prices and increased isolation leading to economic strife.

Last week, Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr confirmed that the Ottawa government would allocate $132,870 for Exchange Petroleum to lower gasoline prices to prior levels before the Hudson Bay Rail Line was devastated by flooding last May. Shipping on the railway was the only way to keep costs for supplies and fuel low. Now, ten months later, the pressure is causing long-time residents to move south in search of a more affordable lifestyle.

In September 2016, Ottawa approved the Churchill and Region Economic Development Fund, intended for the diversification of northern Manitoba’s economy following Omnitrax laying off most of the port’s workforce that summer. Businesses have benefitted from the money by offsetting rising shipping costs of materials shipped by barge or airplane.

Last December Carr visited Churchill and announced the government would add $2.7 million to the existing $4.6 million relief fund. After seemingly turning a blind eye to the issue the federal government now is coming to the rescue.

The new windfall of cash will be transferred to Exchange Petroleum, owner of the Calm Air fuel-storage tanks located at the Churchill airport. These tanks are being used due to issues with the port’s storage tanks related to the viability of winter storage of the fuel.

Churchill Port tank farm.

Churchill Port tank farm is unable to store fuel for the town through the winter. Churchill Tank Farm photo.

“This project is a great example of how collaboration and partnerships can help lessen Churchill’s acute economic hardships, restore a quality of life, and keep its entrepreneurs in business,” Exchange CEO Gary Bell wrote in a statement.

Churchill Mayor Mike Spence expressed thanks to Ottawa for its leadership and funding while conveying optimistic thoughts that rail line repairs would commence in the spring.

“This announcement means real savings for residents and businesses of Churchill during these difficult economic times,” Spence wrote. “It’s important to also give a great deal of credit to Exchange Petroleum who stepped in last fall.”

 

Churchill Weekly Photos – Aurora Nights

Churchill northern lights

One of the incredible Sea Walls murals with northern lights behind. Eddy Savage photo.

 

Churchill northern lights

Great White Bears touring bus on a Nat Hab mission to see the northern lights. Eddy Savage photo.

 

Ithaca Churchill Manitoba

The infamous Ithaca shipwreck surrounded by ice and snow in the Hudson Bay. Andre Brandt photo.

 

Churchill northern lights

Abandoned tour bus imprisoned by the winter freeze and magical northern lights in Churchill. Eddy Savage photo.

These four photos from Eddy Savage and Andre Brandt show the beauty of northern lights even while accompanied by the most mundane things such as vehicles! In the north, everything tends to become part of the landscape since the cost to remove for recycling purposes is too high. We find these images beautiful in their own way. There is a sense of time stoppage in these images that is widespread in a land where time is seemingly more abundant. The allure of northern lights makes everything unique and full of character.

Churchill Aurora Reflections

Aurora season is going strong and the northern lights have been amazing as usual. These shots by Alex De Vries – Magnifico in Churchill capture the incredible scenery juxtaposed with the scintillating aurora borealis overhead! Alex’s Discover Churchill images are the most amazing we have seen over the last few northern lights seasons! We are sure there will be more in the next month or so from the northern lights mecca! Travelers from Natural Habitat Adventures have been awed with the incredible light show above Churchill this season. Enjoy!

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