Train Back In Churchill After 560 Days – Video

This video account of riding the first train back to Churchill in 560 days is quite poignant and really touches the heart of the “lifeline” that is the Hudson Bay Railroad. Via Rail sent its first passenger train to Churchill and so many lives were reunited for the first time in a long time. It seems like just yesterday that the continuing battle over the responsibility for repairing the tracks was reaching a tumultuous head. Now with the tracks intact and rail service restored, the northern towns are connected again with the rest of the province and beyond. Polar bear, northern lights and beluga whale seasons will be enjoyed by so many more travelers now in the coming years!

Hudson Bay Quest Returns in 2019

The 2019 Hudson Bay Quest dogsled race will be reinstated next March riding, literally albeit hopefully, of the Hudson Bay Railroad. The vital lifeline that links Churchill and Gillam needs to be up and running in order to pull off the logistical operations for the race. Crucial supplies, officials as well as dog teams and emergency workers shuttle between the two towns and drops at checkpoints occur as well.

Both the 2017 and 2018 Hudson Bay quests were cancelled due to track washouts.

Registration, which opens November 01 at 12:00:01 (noon) CST, will be capped at 12 racers this year. The rail line between Gillam and Churchill is essential for moving race officials, supplies and dropped dogs/scratched teams. The rail is anticipated to be operational in time for our March 15, 2019 start date in Gillam, MB.

To register or for HBQ information, the official website will be updated soon at hbqrace.com.

Hudson Bay Quest Churchill, Manitoba

Dave Daley leaving the start in Churchill. Nace Hageman photo.

 

Hudson Bay Quest Churchill, Manitoba

Justin Allen from Churchill tears out of the gate in the Hudson Bay Quest. Drew Hamilton photo.

 

Hudson Bay Quest start line Churchill, Manitoba

Dave Daley’s dogs raring to go at the Hudson Bay Quest start line. Ales De Vries – Magnifico photo.

 

Hudson Bay Quest winner Ryan Anderson

Ryan Anderson wins the 2016 Hudson Bay Quest. HBQ photo.

Churchill Weekly Photos – Rail Repairs

Sixteen months following washouts that disabled the Hudson Bay Railroad tracks between Churchill and Gillam, crews are working seven days a week to repair over 20 hazard locations that were affected by the water. New owners, Arctic Gateway, has high hopes that work can be completed before the polar bear season when winter has the region in its grips. So far the work is progressing at an impressive pace with crews reaching the 410-mile marker. We will keep you posted as the progress continues over the next month! Enjoy these images from Arctic Gateway!

 

Hudson Bay Railroad Set for Repairs – Needs Money

Churchill train and port.

Train service to Churchill has been suspended for over a year. Claude Daudet photo.

If money becomes available, Hudson Bay Railway could begin repairing the damaged tracks between Churchill and Gillam as early as September according to HBR President Sergio Sabatini. He confirmed with the Canadian Transportation Agency on August first that HBR has begun soliciting contracting bids to repair the washed out tracks but the money is not there to cover the costs of the work.

A  report to the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), ordering HBR to start repairs by July 3 this year stated the process began with track inspection June 11 and June 12 by independent auditor AECOM. HBR prepared request proposals (RFP) and submitted them on June 28 to six pre-screened eligible contractors. Four of the six contractors attended a mandatory site visit on July 12 – 13. AECOM responded to technical questions form the contractors through July and bids were submitted and by August 3rd. AECOM stated it was “confident there will be multiple bids and methodologies to consider.”

Hudson Bay Railroad states that a substantial amount of repairs can be finished this year and then concluded by mid-2019. The goal is to restore limited service during this winter and then have full service soon after that when repairs conclude. Again, the report painstakingly reiterated facts that money was currently not available to initiate a definite repair plan.

“As the agency is aware HBR does not have the financial capability to undertake the full repairs of the damage to the railway caused by the spring 2017 flood,” Sabatini wrote. “HBR and its shareholders have been in discussion with the federal government and a potential buyer with the objective of ensuring that the necessary funds are in place to fully repair the Gillam to Churchill line and resume operations as expeditiously as possible.”

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