Mayor Michael Spence, Mayor of Churchill, Arctic Gateway Group Board Chairperson
The Honourable Mayor Michael Spence was born and raised in Churchill, Manitoba. After graduating, he was employed with Federal Public Works Department and Churchill pre-fab housing plan. From 1976 to present Mayor Spence has developed three successful ongoing businesses, including ownership of a very successful local full service hotel.
Among Mayor Spence’s businesses achievements is Wat’chee Expeditions, a specialized eco-tourism company that provides guided activities into Wapusk National Park from his lodge in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Of particular interests to visitors are the denning polar bears that can be observed during the operating season, which extends from mid-February through March.
Mayor Spence was elected as Councillor in 1989 and served on Churchill Economic Advisory Committee and also served as the chairman of the Churchill Regional Health Centre Board. In 1992, Mayor Spence was re-elected and installed as Deputy Mayor. Mr. Spence was elected Mayor in 1995 and has served consecutively in that capacity since.
Mayor Spence is very active in the promotion of Churchill, tourism, and preservation of Northern Culture and Heritage, and sits as chairperson on the Arctic Gateway Group Board of Directors