Ottawa commits more than $77 million to Arctic Bay harbour

The federal government says it is investing more than $77 million in a new multi-use small craft harbour at Arctic Bay, Nunavut, where construction began in August.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada said on October 2 that the project is intended to support commercial fishing as well as marine transportation, tourism and community access to the water. The construction contract was awarded to Iqaluit-based Pilitak Enterprises Ltd. and includes an Inuit benefits plan for local training and employment.

Plans include a breakwater, launch ramp, a fixed wharf for larger vessels, float wharves for small craft, and dredging of the harbour basin and entrance channel. Work is expected to continue through 2029, with the harbour anticipated to be operational for the 2030 open-water season.

Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, news release published October 2, 2026.