The Manitoba New Democratic Party government ceased issuing off‑road vehicle permits to the owner of a lodge in Churchill on September 18, 2026, according to statements from the lodge owner’s legal counsel. The lawyers contend that the removal of the permits is a calculated effort to undermine the lodge’s operations.
The lodge, located in the northern community of Churchill, had previously been granted off‑road vehicle permits by the provincial government. Those permits were withdrawn in 2025, prompting the owner to bring a legal challenge before a Winnipeg court. The recent decision to stop further permit issuance follows that earlier revocation.
Representatives for the lodge owner argue that the government’s action is intended to target and ultimately destroy the business. They maintain that the permits are essential for the lodge’s ability to transport guests and supplies across the remote terrain surrounding Churchill.
The provincial government has not provided a detailed public explanation for the cessation of permit issuance. No official comment was released at the time of the court filing on September 18, 2026.
Legal proceedings are ongoing in Winnipeg, where the lodge owner’s lawyers are seeking a court order to restore the permits. The case raises questions about the province’s regulatory authority over off‑road vehicle access in remote areas and the potential impact on tourism and local economies.
The outcome of the court hearing will determine whether the permits are reinstated and could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future. Both parties await the court’s decision, which will address the legal basis for the government’s revocation of the permits and any alleged intent to damage the lodge’s business.
The matter remains under judicial review, with the Winnipeg court scheduled to hear further arguments in the coming weeks.