Sydney Selvon
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Jan 23/06) - It's full steam ahead on planning for two ports, but there are fears the two projects are competing for money from the same pot.

Proponents of the Bathurst Inlet road and port need about $280 million to see the project to reality, while the City of Iqaluit hopes to build a $49 million deep water docking facility in Frobisher Bay.

The hunt for the big government dollars to build the facilities heats up this Wednesday with a meeting of the Bathurst Inlet Road and Port Technical Committee. In Iqaluit, presentations are being finalized for the City to make a pitch for dollars from the territorial and federal governments.

"I think the funders will have to take a good, hard look at the viability of the projects and see what's the best use for their money," said Charlie Lyall, president of the Kitikmeot Corporation, which is championing the Bathurst project.

"From what I understand, (Iqaluit wants) to be able to offload their barges half an hour earlier.

"For us, it's jobs for the Inuit of this region, more development happening, revenue goals, economic development - it's everything."

Once planning is complete, the project can be put before the Nunavut Impact Review Board and water board for hearings.

Lyall's view of two competing projects is not shared Methusalah Kunuk, deputy minister of Nunavut's Department of Economic Development and Transportation.

"I know both projects. We can partner with the two. Both projects are priorities; both should be done."

Donald Havioyak, president of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, said the cost is the biggest obstacle ahead.

"One organization cannot do it alone. We have to involve the government agencies and the industry to make it a go."

The federal government provided funding for preliminary studies.

Kimberley Rizzi, community economic officer with the City of Iqaluit, said she is confident the Frobisher port will move ahead after today's federal election.

"We're looking for $2.2 million this year and $2.5 million in 2007. We are expecting the big dollars in 2008 when actual construction will start."

Aarluk Consulting prepared a feasibility report on the project and spokesperson Terry Forth said they had to contend with Frobisher Bay's high tides.

"In Nanisivik, a deep water port was built close to the shore where the natural setting is favourable. In Iqaluit, to get the necessary draft, we have to go further into the bay."

The number of jobs needed for construction is yet unknown.

"We'll obviously need skilled labour from outside, but we'll also recruit skilled labour locally," Forth said.

"On its own, it would not be sufficient to simply have the port built so that annual re-supply would go better. But when you put things together, including the military, sovereignty and security aspects for Canada's North, plus the potential development of activities by fishing trawlers and tourism, it's a project of considerable importance for Iqaluit."