Transport Canada announced a major investment of more than $40 million for a project focused on developing port infrastructure that will improve the efficiency of Nunavut’s off-shore fishing industry.
The project involves the construction of a new deepwater port in Qikiqtarjuaq, located on the main route of the Northwest Passage, which would support the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay regions. This port would provide a new option for offloading fishing vessels in Nunavut. Looking ahead, the port would also service local resupply goods and could further benefit other users, such as tourism vessels.
Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities also announced funding for two other projects in the region, under the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan.
“Through investments in ports, airports and wastewater across Nunavut, we are working with Inuit to strengthen communities and improve lives,” she said.
“By investing in much-needed transportation infrastructure in the North such as all-season roads and bridges, we are improving transportation safety and reliability for Northerners,” added Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra.
The federal government is investing $225,000 in the Rankin Inlet Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades Planning Project, which involves planning studies to improve Rankin Inlet’s wastewater treatment plant. Once completed, the project will increase the hamlet’s ability to treat and manage wastewater.
The government is also investing $1.8 million in the Water Treatment Plants Planning Project in Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet and Sanikiluaq. This will support the planning phase for the design and construction of water treatment plants in the communities. Thanks to this project, the hamlets will provide reliable and continuous potable water services to residents.
“Canada’s investments in water treatment and wastewater plants support our government’s effort to develop critical local infrastructure that enhances the well-being of our communities,” said Jeannie Ehaloak, Nunavu’s Minister of Community and Government Services. “This funding will increase our capacity to ensure that Nunavummiut in all communities have access to safe, clean drinking water.”
Featured image: Qikiqtarjuaq Corporation
