Winnipeg Region Rail Port

JohnQ Public’s Continued Progress on the Winnipeg Region Rail Port (WRRP)

JohnQ Public is pleased to announce continued progress on the Winnipeg Region Rail Port (WRRP) through a growing partnership with Chemawawin Cree Nation (CCN).

In August 2025, JohnQ entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Chemawawin Cree Nation to work as partners in the planning and development of the WRRP. We continue to work through due diligence aspects of the LOI and hope to share more updates in the coming months. This LOI marks an important step and reflects JohnQ’s commitment to reconciliation, inclusive economic growth, and collaboration.

On October 3, 2025, the JohnQ board, CAOs, and council members had the opportunity to provide a private site tour and project briefing for the Chief and Council of Chemawawin Cree Nation. The tour and briefing offered a chance to showcase the unique attributes of the site and build on the vision for a collaboratively owned, state-of-the-art multimodal rail port, designed to drive regional economic growth, strengthen Manitoba’s access to global markets, and create good jobs for communities across the province.

The Board of JohnQ was delighted that National Chief Cindy Woodhouse and Grand Chief Kyra Wilson attended the tour and briefing. We look forward to further opportunities to engage and discuss this exciting project, and the promise it holds for Manitoba, with all levels of government.

We are excited to take the next steps in advancing the WRRP in partnership with Chemawawin Cree Nation.

About Chemawawin Cree Nation

Located on the shores of Cedar Lake, approximately 440 kilometres north of Winnipeg, Chemawawin Cree Nation is a signatory to Treaty 5 (1876) and home to roughly 1,200 residents. The Nation has a proud history of resilience and self-determination, with a strong foundation in resource-based industries and community-led development.

About JohnQ Public

JohnQ Public Inc. is a Municipal Participation Corporation founded in 2018 by 12 Manitoba municipalities. Through collaboration, JohnQ helps communities pool resources, build capacity, and deliver critical infrastructure and services for Manitoba families. The Winnipeg Region Rail Port is one of JohnQ’s cornerstone projects, creating new trade and investment opportunities for municipalities, industry partners, and Indigenous communities alike.

For more information about the Winnipeg Region Rail Port, please visit www.johnq.ca or contact media@johnq.ca.