Friday, March 13, 2026
Kativik Ilisarniliriniq (school board of Nunavik) announced a significant milestone in the long-awaited construction of a new school in Quaqtaq. During a special Council of Commissioners meeting, resolution CC 2025-2026-40 was adopted, officially awarding the construction contract to Les Constructions Pépin et Fortin Inc., thereby moving the project into its construction phase.
The development of the new school has been in progress for several years. The Ministère de l’Éducation (MEQ) first approved funding for the project in August 2020, recognizing the need for modernized and expanded educational facilities in the community. Because the total cost exceeded $50 million, the initiative was designated as a “Major Project,” requiring the preparation and approval of both an Opportunity Case Report and a Business Case Report by the Treasury Board. These approvals were granted in July 2023 and on October 31, 2025, respectively.
“Moving into the construction phase is a major achievement for Kativik Ilisarniliriniq and for the community of Quaqtaq. With this contract now approved, we can advance a project that will greatly improve educational conditions and better support student success. We look forward to seeing this new school take shape in the coming years,” said Sarah Aloupa, president, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq
Following these approvals, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq launched a public call for tenders (KI-2024-205-060), which closed on December 17, 2025. After reviewing all submissions, the Council of Commissioners determined that Les Constructions Pépin et Fortin Inc. had provided the lowest compliant bid. As a result, the Council resolved to award the company a contract valued at $122,295,458.25, including taxes, for the construction of the new school. The Director of Material Resources has been authorized to sign all required documents to advance the project. The resolution came into effect on January 14, 2026.
The new school is a major investment that will provide modern, culturally relevant learning spaces to about 250 students from Kindergarten to Secondary 5, improving educational conditions and supporting student success in Quaqtaq.
The projected delivery date for the new school is 2030.
Project Team
Architecture: MLS Architectes Inc | Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering: AtkinsRéalis
Civil Engineering and Structure: EXP
General contractor: Pépin Fortin Construction
Featured image: (MLS Architects | Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architects)
