Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, will see a deepwater port built in its community after decades of lobbying the federal government.

Infrastructure minister Catherine McKenna announced the $40 million project Wednesday at a news conference in Iqaluit as the federal government prepares for a possible election.

The new port, which will be located near the entrance to the Northwest Passage, would service ships carrying supplies, as well as tourism and fishing vessels.

Qikiqtani Inuit Association president P.J. Akeeagok, a longtime advocate of the port, says it will also open up opportunities to sell shrimp and turbot locally in Nunavut.

COVID-19 blamed for delay on Arctic military port first promised in 2007

The construction of a new military refuelling station in the Arctic is facing another delay more than 13 years after it was first promised by the federal government, with one analyst raising concerns about other pressing military needs in the region.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper looks down the shoreline in the Arctic port of Nanisivik, Nunavut on August 10, 2007. The construction of a new military refuelling station in the Arctic is facing yet another delay more than 13 years after it was first promised by the federal government. Stephen Harper first announced plans to build the Nanisivik deep-water port in Nunavut along with up to eight armed Arctic patrol vessels in 2007.

Navy Arctic 20200802

Then-prime minister Stephen Harper looks down the shoreline in the Arctic port of Nanisivik, Nunavut, in August 2007. The Nanisivik deep-water port, first announced by Harper in 2007, will be further delayed due to COVID-19. 

About 40 per cent of Canada's coastline is in Nunavut, but the territory doesn't have any public ports and has just one small craft harbour located in Pangnirtung.

There are ports under construction in Pond Inlet and Iqaluit.

During her visit to Iqaluit, McKenna has also announced funding for wastewater treatment plant upgrades in several Nunavut communities.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed, Nunavut Tunngavik President Aluki Kotiek, Qikiqtani Inuit Association President P.J. Akeeagok, Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna and Nunavut Deputy Premier David Akeeagok pose for a group photo following an announcement at Nunavut Arctic College, in Iqaluit on Wednesday.

Feds announce long-awaited deepwater port for Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut

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