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.

Feisty Polar Bear Darted in Churchill

Manitoba Conservation polar bear sedation

Manitoba Conservation officer sedates a polar bear with a dart. Rhonda Reid photo.

 

polar bear in Churchill

Polar bear looking for cover among the rocky coastal area in Churchill. Rhonda Reid photo.

 

 

polar bear churchill, Manitoba

On the trail of a rogue polar bear in Churchill. Rhonda Reid photo.

 

polar bear darted by conservation officers

Darted polar bear still putting up a fight. Rhonda Reid photo.

A polar bear nearing the town limits was darted and sedated from a helicopter by Manitoba Conservation officers today. The bear would not be taken easily, however. The chase took over an hour and two sedation darts were needed to bring this polar bear into custody. This bear charged a Conservation vehicle and then was finally brought under control and transported to the Polar Bear Holding Facility. The bear has since been released.

Hi-rail Vehicles Arrive in Churchill

The first hi-rail vehicles arrived in Churchill at approximately 1:30 pm on Tuesday this week after leaving Gillam around 5 am. Mayor Mike Spence narrates this clip from the Churchill depot. These vehicles, set up for both rail and highway travel, were conducting preliminary inspections of the newly repaired track prior to the next stage of safety inspections. Rail cars will be deployed for the next test run to make sure tracks can handle the weight and all sections are cleared for train travel. Progress with repairs to the washouts has been swift and technically sound with new innovations being deployed to avoid future blowouts in the rail beds. Can’t wait to post a video of the first train arriving in Churchill, Manitoba!

Churchill Photos of the Week – Gateway Getting Close

Arctic Gateway Hudson Bay line washout

First layer goes down on a washout on the Hudson Bay Line. Arctic Gateway photo.

 

washout and repair Hudson Bay Line

Special honey comb soil stabilizer is laid down and packed in a washout. Arctic Gateway photo.

 

Hudson bay line washout

Covering the soil compartment stabilizer in a washout area. Arctic Gateway photo.

 

Hudson bay line washout

Rolling the top layer of a washout repair on the Hudson Bay Line. Arctic Gateway photo.

 

Arctic Gateway Hudson Bay Line

Preparing to restore track to the Hudson Bay Line. Arctic Gateway photo.

Work is continuing and there is a light at the proverbial tunnel. With nearly all washouts repaired, the next step will be to transport equipment north to Churchill.….slowly. With a recent derailment that caused the death of a rail worker, the process will be long and pragmatic to insure there will be no other accidents on the Hudson Bay Line. Churchill will feel liberated once the trains begin to come and go again though everyone wants to be sure that all problems are worked out before regular service begins again. Sending our best wishes for workers toiling to reinstate tain service all along the northern corridor up to the polar bear capital of the world!

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