Rail port project under provincial review signs prospective partnership agreement with First Nation – CBC

Oct 17, 2025

Chemawawin Cree Nation on deck to partner with JohnQ Public to build southern Manitoba rail port

A Manitoba corporation has announced a proposed partnership with Chemawawin Cree Nation to turn agricultural land in the rural municipality of Ritchot into “one of Canada’s first eco-industrial rail parks,” even though the project initiated by the former Progressive Conservative government is now under review by the province’s NDP government.

JohnQ Public — a corporation owned by 12 Winnipeg-area municipalities — says a letter of intent signed with Chemawawin in August reflects a “commitment to reconciliation, inclusive economic growth and collaboration,” according to an Oct. 7 news release.

The release says Chemawawin will “work as partners in the planning and development of the rail port,” but JohnQ provided no further details on how the partnership will work.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/johnq-chemawawin-patrick-therrien-springfield-marni-larkin-9.6941493