It’s an old idea whose time may have come.

After years of fits and starts, a memorandum of understanding between the Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba governments has been reached to explore the feasibility of building a deep water harbour at Port Nelson on the Hudson Bay to export natural resources such as potash and liquified natural gas.

Premier Danielle Smith confirmed the agreement in Calgary on Monday, which had reportedly been reached with Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen and his cohorts in Saskatchewan and Manitoba prior to the election, which is awaiting final approval.