Star MLB player, supermodel thrill Churchill

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This article was published 04/11/2019 (2308 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

How does the all-star pitcher from the World Series-losing Houston Astros cheer himself up?

By visiting Churchill with his supermodel wife.

Justin Verlander and Kate Upton were in the Great White North this weekend, taking in the sites and sounds of the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Verlander’s Astros lost in a seven-game series to the Washington Nationals last month.

On Saturday in Churchill, Verlander — who’s been called the most dominant pitcher of his generation — posed for photos with some of the locals.

Churchill resident Joe Stover tweeted about his encounter.  

“Got to meet @JustinVerlander last night here in Churchill. Super nice dude, and he and @KateUpton got in on the Tundra Trivia action too.They’ve had plenty of polar bears to check out, as it’s been a busy year up here for both bears and tourists. Good to be a part of!” 

The visit by the celebrity couple and the return of thriving tourism is good news for the town that’s faced hard times in recent years.

In May 2017, flooding washed out several parts of the rail line south of Churchill, which is 1,000 kilometres north of Winnipeg and accessible only by rail, air or sea. The community on Hudson Bay was looking at economic devastation from the damage to the tourism industry and from skyrocketing prices for already-expensive food and household goods.

Plans for repairs dragged, and at times seemed hopeless, as the rail line’s owner at the time, Omnitrax, refused to pay to fix the track.

In September 2018, the new ownership coalition, Arctic Gateway Group — a partnership among several First Nations communities, Fairfax Financial Holdings in Toronto and Regina-based AGT Foods — took over the rail line and port.

It completed all of the repairs to get trains running again before residents had to face a second winter with no land link in or out. Last December, Churchill welcomed its first train in more than a year.

The return of tourism and celebrities like Verlander — a former MVP, Cy Young Award winner and eight-time all-star, and Upton — who has appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue four times, Vanity Fair and several films — showcases Churchill as a big-league destination. 

Right now, during the fall, is the best time to see polar bears as they make their trek across the tundra and through the town of Churchill to spend winter hunting on frozen Hudson Bay, according to Travel Manitoba.

It may also be a good time to spot celebrities prowling around town. Golden Globe award-winning actor Ewan McGregor and television personality Martha Stewart have both travelled to Churchill during polar bear season.

 

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca