Arctic Bay, Nunavut, is one step closer to having a small craft harbour to support commercial fishing, marine transportation and tourism in the community.
Nunavut MP Lori Idlout was in the community of about 1,000 people on Friday to announce a $77-million investment for the construction of the project.
The federal government first announced the project in 2019 and it was initially expected to be completed by 2025. Last week’s announcement is part of a $106-million commitment the government made in 2024.
Idlout said once complete, the harbour will help support hunters and fishers to be more independent.
“I know that the completion of this project will help increase our economic independence,” she said.
Idlout said she doesn’t know all the details behind the delays, but said feasibility work and rising construction costs following the COVID-19 pandemic were among the factors.
Nunavut MP Lori Idlout credited Arctic Bay residents with continuing to push for the harbour throughout the delays. (Benjamin Wiles/Office of Lori Idlout)
She credited Arctic Bay residents with continuing to push for the harbour throughout the delays.
She said community members reached out to her for help and that she had been lobbying the federal government on the project before she left the NDP to join the Liberal Party.
“It’s great to finally see that this has started and that it’s because of the persistence of the people of Arctic Bay that it’s been able to get started,” Idlout said.
The construction contract has been awarded to Iqaluit-based Pilitak Enterprises Ltd. and includes an Inuit benefits plan aimed at supporting local training and employment.
During her visit to Arctic Bay, Idlout said work has already begun and that she saw a crusher preparing stone for the project and a road built to access the quarry.
The harbour will include a breakwater, launch ramp, fixed wharf for larger vessels, and floating wharves for smaller boats. The harbour basin and entrance channel will also be dredged.
Idlout said the new infrastructure will give hunters safer and more reliable access to the water and make it easier to return and unload after being out hunting.
She said it will also increase marine capacity as Arctic Bay grows.
For Olayuk Akesuk, president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, the project is a step in the right direction for food security and Inuit sovereignty.
“We are helping ensure that conservation is shaped by Inuit priorities, Inuit knowledge and Inuit stewardship, while creating lasting benefits for our communities,” said Akesuk, in a written statement.
The federal government says construction will continue through 2029, with the harbour expected to be operational for the 2030 open water season.
