The federal government has announced it will invest more than $77 million to build a new multi-use small craft harbour in Arctic Bay, a project officials say will improve marine access, support commercial fishing and create local economic opportunities.
Contract, timeline and local benefits
Public Services and Procurement Canada has awarded the construction contract to Pilitak Enterprises Ltd., a company based in Iqaluit. The contract includes an Inuit benefits plan aimed at promoting local training and employment during construction.
Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 and continue through 2029. The harbour is expected to be operational by the open-water season of 2030.
"Harvesters and hunters in Arctic Bay will have a safe place to launch and tie up, with shelter, a safe area to unload, electricity and better access to the water. In a northern community, a harbour is how people reach the water they live on. This will support fishing, hunting and the movement of goods and people for years to come."
What the harbour will include
Details released by federal officials list the key elements planned for the site. The harbour will be built to serve both small and larger vessels and to withstand northern marine conditions.
- Construction of a breakwater to protect the harbour basin
- A launch ramp for small craft
- A fixed wharf capable of accommodating larger vessels
- Float wharves for smaller boats
- Dredging of the harbour basin and entrance channel
Local and regional context
Federal officials framed the project as part of broader efforts to support sustainable economic development in northern communities, strengthen the seafood sector and bolster Canada’s presence in the Arctic. The announcement was made by Lori Idlout, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, on behalf of the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries.
For Arctic Bay residents, a harbour is more than a transportation hub: it is essential infrastructure for commercial fishing, food harvesting, intercommunity travel and tourism. The Inuit benefits plan attached to the contract is intended to ensure some of the construction and associated training opportunities remain in Nunavut.
| Item | Planned detail |
|---|---|
| Investment | $77 million+ |
| Contractor | Pilitak Enterprises Ltd. (Iqaluit) |
| Construction start | August 2026 |
| Construction end | 2029 |
| Operational | Open-water season 2030 |
Community members and local leaders will watch the project’s progress closely. The harbour’s design and construction must address northern engineering challenges such as ice, permafrost and short operating seasons, and the delivery schedule spans multiple years to accommodate those constraints.
Officials say the new facility will provide safer, more reliable access to the water for harvesters, support movement of goods and people, and create opportunities in commercial fishing, marine transportation and tourism.
Further details about local hiring targets, training programs and environmental assessments were not provided in the federal release. Residents seeking more information are advised to contact local representatives or the offices of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
