Baker Lake and Coral Harbour residents spent parts of June and July clearing years of windblown and winter-buried debris, leaving public spaces neater and prompting praise from local leaders and coordinators.
Weeks of work in Baker Lake
The Baker Lake Community Clean-up ran for three weeks this summer, with volunteer crews of five to 12 people working in hot weather and among the community’s persistent mosquitoes. The crews concentrated on public areas such as playgrounds, roads, schools, churches, the campground and the shoreline.
“Under the direction of our coordinator, Dianne Scottie, dedicated crews of five to 12 volunteers worked in the intense summer heat and swarms of Baker Lake’s legendary mosquitoes.”
The project did not produce a final weight for the waste collected, but organisers say crews filled hundreds of bags of trash. Coordinators described the initiative as a success that helped keep Baker Lake among the cleaner communities in Nunavut.
Community partners and support
Organisers thanked several government and local partners for funding, logistical help and daily volunteer meals. Supporters included:
- Government of Nunavut Department of Health
- Department of Environment
- Nunamiut Lodge (provided lunches)
- Calm Air
- Local businesses: Arctic Fuel Services, Peter’s Expediting, Sanavik Co-op, Baker Lake Contracting and Services, Northern Store
- Hamlet of Baker Lake
Organisers said the mix of government, private and hamlet support made the longer-than-usual clean-up possible and helped sustain volunteers through the hot weeks.
Coral Harbour tidy-up and incentive draw
In Coral Harbour (Salliq), the hamlet ran a late-June campaign that urged residents to tidy yards and properties. Participants could enter a community draw with cash and equipment prizes.
| Prize | Amount / Item |
|---|---|
| Top prize | $1,000 |
| Second prize | $750 |
| Third prize | $500 |
| Other cash prizes | Amounts down to $100 |
| Additional prizes | Fishing rods |
Coral Harbour’s mayor expressed pride in the visible improvements to yards and said residents offered positive feedback about the initiative.
Why these projects matter
Across the Kivalliq, winter storms and long snow cover can hide discarded items until the thaw. That can leave lawns, shorelines and public spaces littered once snow melts. Community-led clean-ups reduce hazards, improve public spaces for families and children, and foster local pride.
For residents interested in future efforts, contact your hamlet office to learn about scheduled clean-ups, volunteer opportunities and any incentive programs. Local businesses and government departments that partner on these events often provide supplies, meals or transportation support.
The recent efforts in Baker Lake and Coral Harbour underline how coordinated local action and modest incentives can produce visible results and strengthen community ties.
