New Arctic Bay tourism agency to create jobs, promote hamlet

The Hamlet of Arctic Bay, Nunavut, wants to kickstart a lagging tourism industry with a new agency that aims to employ local residents, generate revenue for the community, and promote the community's stunning Arctic vistas.

After more than five years of planning, Arctic Bay Adventures will be up and running for next summer, says the hamlet's economic development officer. 

"We want to put Arctic Bay on the map," says Clare Kines.

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The venture is wholly owned by the hamlet and run as an independent business. Kines says the main thrust of the project is one simple idea: co-operation, not competition. 

"We intend it to be a full-service tourism operator, outfitter, expediter. We hope to supply personnel to other outfitters in the area, lease equipment to outfitters, operate tours, wholesale tours to tour operators."

Providing 'meaningful' employment

For the next three years, the project will be funded by two levels of government and the Kakivak Association, a community and economic development agency in the Baffin region.

"It's all based on forecasts right now," says Glenn Cousins, manager of business services for the Kakivak Association.

"Right now I think we're looking at about eight employees in about two or three years. That's probably a pretty good start. In a small community like Arctic Bay that's probably quite meaningful." 

The hamlet of 823 people had a close relationship with the nearby Nanisivik Mine, until it closed in 2002. 

Kines says the mine actually played a key role in making this project happen. A legacy fund, set up by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (now Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada) to offset the economic ramifications of losing that mine, was used to help make the idea a reality.

"If you look at a small community like Arctic Bay, there are very few employment opportunities," says Cousins. 

"A few people working at Mary River, sure, and working for the hamlet or the local stores — but if you're going to create employment in the community, you have to create a new venture like this."

Overcoming 'a number of challenges'

With beautiful vistas, diverse wildlife and a strong connection to traditional Inuit culture, Kines says the tourism industry is a perfect fit for Arctic Bay. 

"We have a very saleable product here" he says. "But, there are a number of challenges that go against that. Including the high cost of transportation." 

Kines also says the community has spent many years recovering from a setback. 

In 2007, the local hunters and trappers association banned filming at the floe edge, chilling the community's relationship with some tourism operators. 

"Strong tourism doesn't happen overnight. Churchill didn't happen overnight and the business that they did. It increases as it goes on," says Kines.

While there's still a long way to go before Arctic Bay Adventures can be declared a successful venture, Cousins says the idea has a lot of potential. 

"I'm very optimistic about it," he says. "I think it could be a successful model for other small communities where tourism is underdeveloped."

Last year, Arctic Bay created a glossy promotional video for the community to help spark interest in the tourism industry. And last month, the company's new 28-foot aluminum boat arrived in the hamlet by sealift.

Arctic Bay Adventures will still need to sign more paperwork and apply for insurance before it is fully operational, but Kines is certain the community will reach its goal.