The Manitoba government announced an $11.4‑million investment to support 22 capital projects that will help municipalities buy new fire trucks, renovate fire halls and strengthen emergency-response capacity across the province. The funding was announced Jan. 29, 2026, through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities (GRO) for Municipalities program.
Manitoba GRO can fund up to 50% of eligible project costs, with municipalities expected to provide the remainder. The program’s public‑safety category specifically allows for fire-station upgrades and the acquisition or replacement of major fire apparatus.
An online apparatus roster lists the Churchill Volunteer Fire Department’s Pumper 1 as a 1994 Freightliner. If confirmed by the town or the department, that vehicle would be 32 years old and well beyond the roughly 20‑year frontline service life commonly used in Fire Underwriters Survey guidance. That inventory detail comes from an online fire‑apparatus registry and should be confirmed with Churchill officials.
The province said the investment is intended to “strengthen front‑line fire services, replace aging equipment and enhance emergency response capacity,” in remarks attributed to Glen Simard, Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations. Northern communities in particular often face higher costs for cold‑weather specifications and shipping, which can make apparatus replacements more expensive.
Premier Wab Kinew has also stressed Churchill’s strategic value — calling it Canada’s only deepwater Arctic port and a gateway to the North — and provincial officials say reliable local emergency services will be an important part of supporting any future growth around the port.
