The Winnipeg Airports Authority and the Town of Churchill have created a new entity called Churchill Transportation Inc. (CTI), Barry Rempel, president and chief executive officer of the authority said June 14.

Churchill Transportation Inc. will work with the community to realize the economic potential of transportation assets, notably the airport and its environs, Rempel said. The new corporation’s vehicle through which the Town of Churchill would like to work with the federal government and its airport, to identify and address any opportunities including marketing and development.

“CTI is all about the unique opportunity to work together and in so doing to collaboratively promote economic opportunities that are of regional and common benefit,” Rempel said. “Both parties in this new venture share an understanding of the potential. This agreement further enhances the ties between this region and the Winnipeg Airports Authority.”

“One of the goals of the Town of Churchill is to raise awareness of our region and opportunities for a sustainable future,” said Churchill mayor Michael Spence. “This agreement moves us toward taking a direct role in meeting our community’s future needs and is aimed at providing mutual benefits and sharing in economic opportunities that exist in our combined networks.”

Catholic philanthropist Arthur Mauro, founder of the Centre for Peace and Justice at St. Paul’s College at the University of Manitoba, the major Catholic higher education institution in the province, who is currently the chancellor of Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont., noted, “Winnipeg has historically played a central role as a supply center for exploration and supply to Northern Canada. Today’s announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s Northern Strategy and recognizes the role of Churchill in the national transportation system.”

The Town of Churchill is committed to incorporating its unique traditions and values, Spence said, while continuing to progress toward the future through planned social, educational and economic growth.

Winnipeg Airports Authority is a non-share capital corporation responsible for the management and operation of Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and affiliate businesses. The authority receives no operating funding from any level of government.