by Steve Selden | Aug 27, 2017 | Churchill Photography
Gorgeous northern lights in The Pas, Manitoba. Andre Brandt photo.
Just when you thought you had seen every possible breathtaking northern lights image a few times over, Andre Brandt has captured the essence of how these magnificent effects affect us as humans. Emphasizing how small we feel in the presence of the grandeur of nature, the human figure in the foreground standing on a hay bail is perfect! Come to Churchill and see these incredible sky lights of the north. Enjoy!
by Steve Selden | Aug 25, 2017 | Churchill News
Hudson Bay line rail damage. CBC photo.
Omnitrax, owner of the Port of Churchill and the damaged Hudson Bay Rail – Line, has apparently obtained an assessment of the severely damaged railroad tracks between Gillam and Churchill. After meeting with Transport Canada officials this past Monday, Omnitrax seems to have a clearer notion of what it will take to repair the tracks.
The company has not yet released the findings and any strategic, updated plan to commence work in the near future. After 13 weeks of inoperability, the Hudson Bay line still sits damaged by spring floods resulting from two historic March blizzards. An August 4th updated engineering report detailing estimated costs for repairs was obtained by Omnitrax though they vowed to divulge the findings only after meeting with Transport Canada.
In early July, repair estimates by Omnitrax ranged between $20 and $60 million which they emphatically stated were “not economically viable”. However, the Canadian government continually insists that the company is responsible via federal transportation laws to keep the lifeline to the north running. Transport Canada, the enforcing agency for the law will not initiate an investigation until it received specific complaints from citizens and other agencies.
Correspondence so far from complainants has not been addressed directly to movement of goods and rail line abandonment prompting responses from some Churchill residents that Ottawa and Omnitrax are dragging their feet in the process. Telling Churchillians they have basically not “complained properly” is not sitting right with many of the distraught residents.
Damaged Hudson Bay rail line. CBC photo.
Churchill Mayor Mike Spence, mayor of Churchill, instead of encouraging residents to file complaints with the regulator has instilled trust in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau pledged he would find a solution on July 28. Trudeau, however, hasn’t said how he plans to proceed.
Home Hardware owner Rhoda deMeulles exemplifies the business owners woes in town by expressing her frustration on lack of supplies due to no cargo arriving via rail. “It’s hard to realize what you need all at once,” said deMeulles, whose store is close to running out of construction supplies and cash.
“We feel like we’re in jail,” said deMeulles, who still loves the town she adopted 38 years ago. “We need help; we need our rail line back.”
Something has to give as the government continues to subsidize groceries for the town. Everyone is expecting a decision by Omnitrax soon, possibly as early as next week.
by Steve Selden | Aug 23, 2017 | Churchill Photography
Polar bear resting on the rocks in Churchill. Great White Bear Tours photo.
We would like to send a big thank you to Great White Bear Tours of Churchill for taking groups of travelers out in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area to view wildlife and especially polar bears. Their spectacular polar rovers keep groups from Natural Habitat Adventures safe and warm while viewing active polar bears across the tundra as well as other Arctic wildlife. They also supply loads of current incredible images from the Churchill region like this healthy polar bear from yesterday. The group also spotted a caribou out on the land. We are all looking forward to the upcoming polar bear season in October!
by Steve Selden | Aug 21, 2017 | Churchill Photography
Polar bear, two gulls and raven in Churchill. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Sleepy polar bear on the Precambrian shield. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Three polar bears feast on a beluga whale carcass in Churchill while gulls await the scraps. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
A curious polar bear surveys the area from behind a rock outcrop. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
A large, healthy polar bear emerges from a nap in the rocks on the Hudson Bay shore. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
August in Churchill can be polar bear sighting time and this year seems to be setting the bar higher than ever. The polar bears photographed by Alex De Vries – Magnifico appear quite healthy and active. In fact, a big bear was spotted in the middle of Churchill just today. It seems that the polar bears are adapting to more ice-free days and finding alternative food sources. As you can see in one photo, a group of three polar bears graze on a beluga whale carcass adding to their fat storage and subsequent energy reserves that will allow them to make it through the fall while they wait for Hudson Bay ice to form. Summer bear sightings have increased almost every year and particularly in August, the buffer time before the Churchill polar bear season starts in October into November. Enjoy!
by Steve Selden | Aug 18, 2017 | Churchill Photography
Reflection of a skiff in Button Bay, Churchill. Water clear and pristine. Katie de Meulles photo.
Polar bear swimming in the bay near Churchill. Katie de Meulles photo.
Close up of a polar bear swimming in the bay around Churchill. Katie de Meulles photo.
Polar bear resting on the rocks on Eskimo Point. Katie de Meulles photo.
Button Bay is the secluded little cove just around Eskimo Point where Fort Prince of Wales rests as the iconic outpost of the long-lost fur trade in the north. The rocks of Eskimo Point are resting areas for polar bears seeking some quiet and solitude during the summer months. Quite often groups of travelers can see and photograph polar bears on these rocky shores. These shots by Churchill photographer Katie de Meulles were captured this week and show the happenings around Button Bay.
Once in Button Bay there are sometimes bears swimming across to the beach or coming in from the northern shore to congregate in Churchill and await the ice pack of November. From there they will venture out to hunt seals all winter then return in the spring again!
