Winnipeg – June 2025 – CentrePort Canada (CentrePort) has recognized two individuals for their longstanding contributions to its inception and its continued success.
CentrePort, straddling the City of Winnipeg and the RM of Rosser, is North America’s largest trimodal inland port and designated Foreign Trade Zone, spanning a vast 20,000-acre footprint, larger in mass than Manhattan Island.
CentrePort Canada Footprint Award
Former Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, at a June 11 ceremony, received the first-ever CentrePort Canada Footprint Award.
This new award recognizes an individual whose contributions and influence left an indelible impression in carving out the path to CentrePort’s success. The award recognizes leadership, advocacy, and dedication among those supporters who were vital to CentrePort’s growth and success.
Doer served as Premier of Manitoba from 1999 to 2009, then as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2016. During his decade in government, Doer introduced the legislation that led to the creation of CentrePort.
His vision and passion for international trade and ongoing support for CentrePort’s development helped to transform the inland port into a hub of economic opportunity and global connectivity. This award will continue to be presented to individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and long-term commitment to advancing CentrePort and its mission to grow Manitoba’s role in global trade and logistics.
CentrePort Canada Board Chair Globe Award
On June 12, Chris Lorenc, MHCA President & CEO, received the first-ever CentrePort Canada Board Chair Globe Award. Lorenc, who is an outgoing board member, was presented with the award as thanks and recognition for his service.
Lorenc is a founding member of CentrePort’s Board of Directors since 2009. CentrePort was created by an Act of the Manitoba legislature, unanimously adopted by all parties, during Gary Doer’s tenure as Premier.
Lorenc played a foundational role in the establishment and governance of CentrePort Canada. He held key leadership positions including Vice-Chair, Chair of the Board, and Chair of the Governance & Nominations Committee as part of the Executive Committee.
Most recently, he was asked to once again chair the Governance Committee, where he led a significant overhaul and the introduction of new members to CentrePort’s Board.
He chaired the Mayor’s Trade Council committee, which released the report Winnipeg – Canada’s Centre for Global Trade in 2008. It recommended the creation of an inland port and is the report widely credited as a major catalyst for CentrePort’s establishment.
“While I am deeply honoured with the presentation, I want to remind everyone, that were it not for Premier Gary Doer’s early leadership and investment of significant political capital, CentrePort Canada, the gift that gives and will continue to gift Manitoba’s economy, simply would not have occurred. He is the hero in this story,” said Lorenc.
Established in 2009, CentrePort serves as a vital hub for transportation, logistics, and international trade, offering seamless access to road, rail, and air networks. As Canada’s first inland port, it has already attracted more than $1.5 billion in private sector investment, bolstered by major infrastructure developments like the $225 million CentrePort Canada Way.
