Published 3:38 pm Friday, October 2, 2026 By William Koblensky Varela Local Journalism Initiative Northern News Service The federal government is spending $77 million to build a small-craft harbour in Arctic Bay by 2030, it was revealed in an Oct. 2 joint announcement by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and Nunavut MP Lori Idlout. Construction was scheduled to begin in August and Pilitak Enterprises Ltd. in Iqaluit was contracted for the build. A breakwater, launch ramp, fixed wharf, floating wharves are all part of the project. There will be dredging of the harbour basin to the entrance channel. “The commitment to Arctic Bay is a key role of [Sinaa Agreement’s] stewardship program, ensuring our guardians have access to marine resources that mitigate food insecurity while enabling country food sovereignty and security,” said Qikiqtani Inuit Association President Olayuk Akesuk. The Sinaa Agreement, an Inuit term meaning “the floe edge where the land fast ice meets the open water,” is an Inuit-led marine conservation project in the Qikiqtaaluk region funded by the federal government that includes benefits for Qikiqtani Inuit, such as small-craft harbours and Nauttiqsuqtiit conservation centres. Two waterways under the agreement near Arctic Bay — the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area and the Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area — facilitated the creation of the harbour. The project is intended to support fishing, cultural activities, marine transportation and tourism. “This harbour will create opportunities for hunters, fishers and families to be more independent. Food sovereignty and economic prosperity will follow,” Idlout said.
Arctic Bay small-craft harbour expected to be built by 2030, cost $77 million: feds
