On February 3, 2026, the Manitoba government and several partners announced a $250,000 investment — $50,000 in cash and $200,000 in in‑kind support — to launch a feasibility study to explore establishing a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in western Hudson Bay near Churchill, Manitoba.
The project is a joint effort between the province, the federal government (Parks Canada will lead the feasibility study) and York Factory First Nation. The conservation group Oceans North is providing $1 million to support community engagement, scientific research and capacity building related to the initiative.
For residents of the area, the initiative could create new jobs and roles for community members through capacity‑building and local management opportunities. The study aims to protect important local wildlife, including beluga whales and polar bears, while also considering how the Port of Churchill could continue to grow under the proposed “Churchill Plus” expansion and provide local business opportunities.
Premier Wab Kinew said the investment is a necessary step to ensure northern development respects the environment. By involving local Indigenous leaders and environmental groups, the province intends to develop a plan that balances port expansion with the need to protect natural habitat.
