The town siren sounded as the train horn blared at Goose Creek Crossing, and residents of Churchill came to the local train station to celebrate the arrival of the first passenger train since May of 2017. 

Churchill was cut off from rail access after flooding washed out several sections of track. That meant the only access into town was by air or ship. The result was a large increase in the cost of living.

Train 693's arrival on Tuesday had a festive feel in the town. The Town encouraged residents to gather at the train station, first, to welcome the train. They then held a community celebration at the Town Centre Complex in the late afternoon.

As the train pulled out of town for its trek back to Winnipeg fireworks were set off in celebration.

Via Rail is expected to run an average of two trains a week to Churchill from Winnipeg. The journey takes approximately 40 hours.