Monday, April 6, 2026
The Government of Canada announced the completion of a new small craft harbour in Clyde River, Nunavut.
The new harbour will provide safe and accessible facilities to commercial fish harvesters, enhancing boater safety, improving the delivery of goods by sea and by creating safer opportunities for economic and social activities.
“The new harbour in Clyde River will help fish harvesters and hunters safely launch and dock their boats, providing shelter, safe unloading, electricity and better access to the sea,” said Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries.
Following a competitive process in 2022, the nearly $38-million contract was awarded to Pilitak Enterprises Ltd. of Iqaluit, Nunavut.
This project included the construction of breakwaters, a fixed wharf, dredging, a launch ramp, and the installation of floating wharves for safe docking. The harbour is able to accommodate 72 small craft vessels.
“I’ve heard from hunters and fishers, that the breakwater and harbour are really nice. We are very happy about it. Before the small craft harbour was built, the rough waters would damage boats. Now that we have a harbour, hunters and fishers can safely anchor and moor their boats. Roughly 70% of the Clyde River population is a very young generation. This young generation are buying more boats, and we are looking forward to having more floating docks added in the future to make room for them,” said Liemikie Palluq, Mayor of Clyde River, Nunavut.
The Niutaq Harbour Authority, a not-for-profit corporation led by local community members, will manage the harbour’s day-to-day operations, with the harbour anticipated to be operational by the open-water season of this year.
“Inuit across the Qikiqtani region rely on the marine environment everyday; as key travel routes, support for Inuit cultural continuity, access to resources that have sustained our people for millennia, while providing opportunities to increase economic development in communal fisheries and as outfitters. Supporting our communities by investing in community harbours provides safe havens for boats and marine safety for Inuit. The completion of the small craft harbour in Clyde River is a key role supporting SINAA’s stewardship program, ensuring our guardians have access to marine resources that mitigate food insecurity while enabling country food sovereignty and security,” said Olayuk Akesuk, President, Qikiqtani Inuit Association.
Featured image: An aerial view of the new small craft harbour in Clyde River Nunavut. Photo credit: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (CNW Group/Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada)
