The Northern Transportation Symposium, hosted by The Thompson Chamber of Commerce on September 5 and 6, was aimed to address the pressing transportation challenges and opportunities faced by northern Canada's remote communities. With a focus on sustainable growth, economic development, and the impact of climate change, this two-day event brought together over 110 participants and featured 15 prestigious guest speakers from across Canada. Many northern communities brought representatives from Gillam, Grand Rapids, NCN, St Theresa Pointe, The Pas, and others. The symposium underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in improving transportation infrastructure for the region, shedding light on a wide range of topics from intermodal hubs and airship transportation to the rapid growth of electric vehicles.
Organizer Volker Beckmann stated that he wanted this to be far more than just coming together to have a good time and learn, but rather using it as an opportunity to better the Northern transportation and gain experienced and residential feedback. Taking the feedback, the Chamber will undertake an evaluation from all attendees. “we want ideas to come out of this, we want a collaboration to hopefully make things better with transportation” Said Volker; "If you hear something, you think it's a good idea, business opportunity something that you feel would be better more efficient, more costly, you can write that down”.
Thompson Hub of the North, a city with a population of 14,000, is located in the central part of northern Manitoba, covering an area of 440,000 sq. km. Northern communities are often spread apart with vast wilderness between them, and many lack all-weather roads, making access possible only by air or ice roads during the winter.
"This is a great place to have this. Right in the Hub of the North" Said Mayor Colleen Smook.
The primary modes of transportation in and around Thompson are by road along Highway 6, covering a distance of 485 miles to Winnipeg, or by air, whereas Thompson's new $120 million airport is currently under construction, as announced by Curtis Ross, CEO/CDO of the Thompson Regional Airport. This along with many other hot topics were addressed.
Chris Avery, the esteemed CEO of Arctic Gateway, recently highlighted the inefficiencies of the Bayline, describing it as an excessively slow mode of transportation for both cargo and tourists making their way to Churchill, a highly sought-after destination in Manitoba. In response to this issue, Arctic Gateway has committed to a substantial investment exceeding $100 million aimed at overhauling and fortifying the rail bed to enhance its performance and reliability.
The Manitoba Airship Research Task Force is currently working on establishing a cold weather testing and research center in Thompson. This center aims to support airships that haul cargo to the Arctic, as well as facilitate mine exploration and ore hauling in remote areas. Dr. Barry Prentice of the Transport Institute suggests that the Canadian military could utilize airship surveillance as the effects of climate change open up Arctic Ocean pathways for foreign commercial and military vessels. Additionally, Dr. Prentice serves as the Chair of ISO Polar, a non-profit organization that advocates for the use of cargo airships in Northern Canada.
Advancements in transportation technologies from drones to pilotless airplanes and airships received much curious feedback for instructor Carl Pigeon; Co-founder and CEO of Ribbit, as he explained these new technologies are being considered for hauling cargo into remote areas of northern Canada.
Robert Elms, who has been serving as a Director of the EV association since 2012, discussed the remarkable global surge in electric vehicle usage. He emphasized the necessity for a rapid charging infrastructure, particularly in Northern Manitoba, where it is currently lacking. Elms highlighted the issue of hydropower from northern hydro dams being utilized to support EV transportation in the southern region but not in the north.
Doug Jansen discussed the challenges posed by the diminishing winter/ice roads, which are making it increasingly difficult to deliver essential goods, fuel, and materials to remote Indigenous communities in northern Manitoba. Drawing from his extensive 18 years of experience working for Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, particularly within the provincial Winter Roads Program, Doug provided valuable insights. The event also featured numerous other inspiring teachers and topics, all of which received glowing feedback.
"It's important for us to all come together and address things concerning the mining, the forestry, tourism, and general travel,” said Mayor Colleen Smook
The Northern Transportation Symposium was a pivotal event that brought together experts, industry leaders, and stakeholders to address the unique transportation challenges faced by northern Canada's remote communities. The Chamber will decide if the next Symposium should be in 1, 2 or 3 years and give the opportunity to focus on sustainable growth, economic development, and the impact of climate change underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in improving transportation infrastructure for the region. With insightful discussions on a wide range of topics, from airship transportation to the growth of electric vehicles, the symposium provided a platform for valuable exchange of ideas and actionable solutions. As the event concluded, it left a lasting impression and a clear call to action, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and proactive measures to enhance transportation accessibility and efficiency in northern Canada.
