Arctic Bay, NU - Small craft harbours are vitally important to coastal communities and to Canada's fishing economies. In the Arctic, these harbours serve as critical community marine infrastructure that enhance safety, improve access and contribute to Canada's broader Arctic sovereignty.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, Lori Idlout, Nunavut Member of Parliament, announced an investment of over $77 million in a new, multi-use small craft harbour for Arctic Bay, Nunavut. The harbour will provide critical infrastructure to support commercial fishing in the region, as well as access to economic opportunities, cultural activities, marine transportation and tourism.
Public Services and Procurement Canada has awarded the construction contract for the Arctic Bay small craft harbour to Pilitak Enterprises Ltd. of Iqaluit, Nunavut. The contract includes an Inuit benefits plan to support local training and employment. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 and will continue until 2029, with the harbour anticipated to be operational by the open-water season of 2030.
The new harbour will include the construction of a breakwater, launch ramp, fixed wharf for larger vessels, and float wharves for small craft vessels, as well as dredging for the harbour basin and the entrance channel.
The Government of Canada is committed to working with northern communities to advance sustainable economic development, create opportunities and help build a stronger and more prosperous North. Investments like this will help support economic growth, strengthen the resilience of Canada's seafood sector and ensure harbour infrastructure can serve future generations of harvesters.
