ARCTIC BAY, NU, Oct. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- Small craft harbours are vitally important to coastal communities and to Canada's fishing economies. In the Arctic, these harbours serve as critical community marine infrastructure that enhance safety, improve access and contribute to Canada's broader Arctic sovereignty.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, Lori Idlout, Nunavut Member of Parliament, announced an investment of over $77 million in a new, multi-use small craft harbour for Arctic Bay, Nunavut. The harbour will provide critical infrastructure to support commercial fishing in the region, as well as access to economic opportunities, cultural activities, marine transportation and tourism. 

Public Services and Procurement Canada has awarded the construction contract for the Arctic Bay small craft harbour to Pilitak Enterprises Ltd. of Iqaluit, Nunavut. The contract includes an Inuit benefits plan to support local training and employment. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 and will continue until 2029, with the harbour anticipated to be operational by the open-water season of 2030.     

The new harbour will include the construction of a breakwater, launch ramp, fixed wharf for larger vessels, and float wharves for small craft vessels, as well as dredging for the harbour basin and the entrance channel.

The Government of Canada is committed to working with northern communities to advance sustainable economic development, create opportunities and help build a stronger and more prosperous North. Investments like this will help support economic growth, strengthen the resilience of Canada's seafood sector and ensure harbour infrastructure can serve future generations of harvesters.

Quotes

"Harvesters and hunters in Arctic Bay will have a safe place to launch and tie up, with shelter, a safe area to unload, electricity and better access to the water. In a northern community, a harbour is how people reach the water they live on. This will support fishing, hunting and the movement of goods and people for years to come." 

The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries

"The Government of Canada is firmly committed to working in partnership with Indigenous communities to create real economic opportunities. Today's announcement of the contract and construction of the small craft harbour in Arctic Bay shows we're acting on that commitment. Inuit-owned firm, Pilitak Enterprises Limited is bringing its expertise to the project that will help to develop Nunavummiut workers, grow the Nunavut economy and strengthen Canada's north."

The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant

"Safe access to the water is critically important to Arctic Bay and Nunavut communities. This harbour will create opportunities for hunters, fishers and families to be more independent. Food sovereignty and economic prosperity will follow. These small craft harbours help support hunters and fishers to sustain our Inuit practices and traditions and move towards economic prosperity for all." 

Lori Idlout, Member of Parliament, Nunavut

"The development of the Arctic Bay Small Craft Harbour is a significant achievement for Inuit in the Qikiqtani Region and for the future of our waters. Supporting our communities by investing in small craft harbours provides safe havens for boats and marine safety for Inuit. The commitment to Arctic Bay is a key role of SINAA's stewardship program, ensuring our guardians have access to marine resources that mitigate food insecurity while enabling country food sovereignty and security. We are helping ensure that conservation is shaped by Inuit priorities, Inuit knowledge, and Inuit stewardship, while creating lasting benefits for our communities."

Olayuk Akesuk, President, Qikiqtani Inuit Association

"This new small craft harbour will benefit all of Arctic Bay, especially our local fishers, hunters and harvesters who depend on safe, functioning harbours for their livelihoods. We are pleased to see a Nunavut-based company leading the construction of this critical piece of community infrastructure, which will support commercial fishing in the region, as well as economic opportunities, cultural activities, marine transportation, and tourism."

Hamlet of Arctic Bay

Quick Facts

Canada's investment in a small craft harbour in Arctic Bay is a key commitment in relation to the establishment of the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area and the Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area. These two marine protected and conserved areas are also included in the Conservation Plan of SINAA, an Inuit-led conservation initiative that aims to create a network of marine protected and conserved areas while supporting Inuit communities and their way of life. 

• The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) and the community of Arctic Bay played a leading role in working with the Government of Canada to advance the project and will continue to be involved as it moves forward under Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)'s Small Craft Harbours Program. 
• The contract award for the Arctic Bay Nunavut small craft harbour can be viewed at: ET025-260070 - Invitation to Tender - Small Craft Harbour Construction - Arctic Bay, Nunavut - Award Notice | CanadaBuys
• Additional funding for small craft harbours across the country was announced in the 2026 Spring Economic Update, with nearly $1 billion to be invested over five years to ensure a climate resilient, safe and future-ready harbour network across Canada.

Related products

• Inuktitut version

Associated Links

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the Arctic Region
• Small Craft Harbours Program 
• The importance of harbour authorities in coastal communities
• SINAA / Qikiqtani Project Finance for Permanence
• SINAA Implementation

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada