Nunavut MLAs push for updates on water infrastructure projects

The Nunavut government is still in the early planning phase for new water treatment plants in Igloolik and Clyde River, MLAs heard Monday.

Igloolik, Clyde River and Coral Harbour were all the subject of a $2-million federal investment last May, funding earmarked to develop proposals to improve their water treatment facilities.

In the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Community and Government Services Minister David Joanasie said once the planning phase is complete, the government will be looking to move the projects into design and eventually construction.

Both Coral Harbour and Igloolik have experienced boil-water advisories in recent months due to issues with their water treatment plants. Coral Harbour has seen two since mid-October due to inconsistent chlorine levels, while Igloolik was under a boil-water advisory for nearly five months due to cloudy water.

On Monday, Aggu MLA Joanna Quassa asked for a list of actions that would be needed to make sure Igloolik's plant is added to the government's capital plan.

Joanasie noted his department has numerous capital projects to consider and is trying to put funding toward the most urgent ones.

"We're trying to address the highest needs at this time," he said.

When it came to the plant in Clyde River, Uqqummiut MLA Mary Killiktee reminded Joanasie in Inuktitut that the contract for the project was awarded in September.

When asked for an update on the project, Joanasie responded by saying as soon as he gets one from the contractor, he would provide it in the house.

Killiktee also wanted to know more about how the infrastructure in Qikiqtarjuaq would hold up if the proposed deep sea port gets built.

"This project will have significant impacts on the community in respect to increased economic activity and experience [of] more visitors," the MLA said.

When asked how CGS is working to ensure the water treatment infrastructure in Qikiqtarjuaq can handle the expected population growth that will come with the port, Joanasie said it's the hamlet's responsibility.

"[In] the budgets that are given to the hamlets, they look at the population growth and the community growth, and also try to set things up and follow all the standards to get the best quality product," the minister said.