Proponents of deepwater port in Qikiqtarjuaq call for federal investment to speed up project

Proponents of a deepwater port in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, are calling for more federal investment to get the project moving. 

The project was announced by the federal government in 2021 to service ships carrying supplies, tourism, and fishing vessels. At the time, the cost was estimated at $40 million. Earlier this year, the government of Nunavut said that had ballooned to $300 million. 

Now, the new proponent of the project, the Arctic Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), says it wants to build the project faster. At a news conference in Ottawa Tuesday, AEDC officials said to get that done, it’ll cost $350 million — and they're asking the government of Canada for $150 million. 

Sean Leet, director with the AEDC, said the project on eastern Baffin Island would create economic opportunities for the community through tourism and fishing but also serve as defence infrastructure for the country. 

“The distances in the Arctic are vast. There are no other ports in the immediate vicinity that have deep water capabilities,” he said. 

“This would be very unique. And it's at the gateway to the Northwest Passage. This is where all the traffic will pass.”

The first phase of the project would include a port 10 metres deep with a sealift. Phase two would extend the port another two to four metres, allowing the largest ships in Canada’s fleet to dock at the facility. 

Harry Flaherty, president of the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, said the project already has community support and could be shovel-ready by spring. He said he wants to see the port fast-tracked and included on the list of nation-building projects.   

“This project is ready to go. Let’s work together and get this initiative going,” Flaherty said. 

The AEDC, along with the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, say with federal investment the first phase could be done by 2028, and phase two by 2030.  

A spokesperson with the federal government’s Privy Council Office said in an email the government wouldn’t comment on potential projects. 

The spokesperson wrote that the federal Major Projects Office doesn’t directly fund projects but can help coordinate funds from the private sector, banks and various levels of government. It also makes recommendations to expedite approvals.