Via Rail resumes travel from Winnipeg to Gillam after floods
Trains are still unable to make it all the way north to Churchill
Via Rail is resuming travel to some parts of Northern Manitoba after floods prevented all trains from travelling north of Thompson, the Crown corporation announced Tuesday.
War Lake First Nation declared a state of emergency after train travel was canceled last week in and out of the remote community.
People in the First Nation and Ilford, about 64 kilometres south of Gillam, will now be able to travel in and out of that area.
Trains will run from Winnipeg to Gillam Tuesday but will not travel further north of Gillam to Churchill, Via Rail said.
Next trains to operate are:
- Train 693 scheduled May 30, 2017 from Winnipeg to Gillam.
- Train 692 scheduled June 2, 2017 from Gillam to Winnipeg.
- Train 691 scheduled June 2 from The Pas to Gillam.
- Train 692 scheduled June 4, 2017 from Gillam to Winnipeg.
- Train 693 scheduled June 4, 2017 from Winnipeg to Gillam.
Heavy winter snowfall has caused floods in parts of Northern Manitoba this Spring.
The latest information from Manitoba Hydro says waters on the Churchill River will crest June 4.
Areas near Split Lake, including York Factory First Nation and Tataskweyak Cree Nation, are also being watched closely for flooding. Hydro said it has used sandbags and Aqua Dams to protect homes, property and other areas at risk.