Federal food subsidy extended to Churchill following rail line loss
WINNIPEG — The federal government is extending its Nutrition North food subsidy program to Churchill until the Manitoba town’s only land link to the outside world is restored.
The subarctic community of 900 on the western shore of Hudson Bay has been looking for help since the rail line into town was severely damaged by spring flooding.
The railway’s owner, Denver-based Omnitrax, has said it will likely be next spring before repairs can be completed along the 280-kilometre section of track, and financial aid will be needed.
Without the rail line, goods and people have to be flown in to Churchill at a much higher cost.