Manitoba association pitches CentrePort for national food terminal

A Manitoba association is seeking federal funding for a new food terminal at CentrePort Canada, aiming to bolster the province's food security strategy. Michael Mikulak, head of industry advocate group Food & Beverage Manitoba, is in discussions with federal departments and envisions a 120,000-square-foot site at CentrePort. The facility would include a commercial kitchen for Manitoba companies to rent, a warehouse for food storage and distribution, and a production-focused commercial kitchen.

Ottawa announced its national food security strategy in June, which includes three food terminals nationwide. Mikulak hopes Manitoba will host one of the other two sites, emphasizing the province's transportation network and potential Arctic Gateway connection to Europe. The project is estimated to cost between $150 million and $200 million, requiring a blend of public and private funding.