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An organization working to build a deep water port in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, has secured support from community leaders.
The port is intended to help with marine safety, search and rescue, and serve as a base for defence and security operations. The project received letters of support from the local hunters and trappers organization and the local hamlet this month.
“Having a port in Qikiqtarjuaq will mean that the federal government is serious about the sovereignty and the security of the North,” said Harry Flaherty, the chair of the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, which is leading the project.
The company says the first phase of the project is expected to cost $350 million and it’s calling on the federal government to invest $150 million to accelerate the development. The organization says that the project is shovel-ready, and the hope is to have construction begin this year.
The company argues that recent global attention on Greenland has underscored the strategic importance of the eastern Arctic region. The port would be located on Baffin Island, across from Greenland.
Harry Flaherty, chair of Qikiqtaaluk Arctic Economic Development Corporation, says that the deep water port will benefit the territory. (Submitted by Harry Flaherty)
Beyond Arctic security, the project is being pitched as a way to boost economic opportunities through tourism and fishing.
“It will be very useful for everyone; and it will bring more job opportunities for the residents of Qikiqtarjuaq,” said Jonah Audlakiak, the mayor of Qikiqtarjuaq.
The local hunters and trapper organization also says it’s been engaged with the project for many years, and have met with the proponents last year and this month.
“The Nattivak Hunters and Trappers Organization is satisfied with Qikiqtaaluk-AEDC’s engagement to date, including consideration of Inuit harvesting activities, wildlife movement, and seasonal sensitivities,” said Jaypootie Aliqatuqtuq, chair of the HTO, in a letter.
The first phase of the project would include building a 10-metre deep port with a sealift. It would allow fishing vessels, most coast guard ships, and small naval ships to dock at the location.
Phase two would extend the port another two to four metres, allowing for larger navy ships to dock there.
“Having a support from the hamlet of Qikiqtarjuaq, and hunters and trappers, gives us more strength to move ahead and try and get this project going,” said Flaherty.
The company says that the goal is to have the first phase of the project up and running by 2028.