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IQALUIT - Three communities in Nunavut are under consideration to host a permanent, year-round High Arctic research facility which will serve as a long-term hub for Canadian and international research into the Arctic environment.

On Feb. 20 Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl announced a $2 million feasibility study to determine which community is best suited to host the facility: Cambridge Bay, Pond Inlet or Resolute.

Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Chuck Strahl announced a $2 million feasibility study into the design and location of a permanent High Arctic research station in Nunavut. - Gabriel Zarate/NNSL photo

Strahl said the government consulted with scientists in Canada and worldwide to find out what they need from the host community to make their research most effective. The facility needs to have adequate transportation access because of the expected traffic of scientific personnel and material. It also needs to be in the High Arctic, and specifically on the Northwest Passage. Cambridge Bay, Pond Inlet and Resolute best fit those three criteria, according to Strahl.

The feasibility study is expected to take 12 to 18 months and will also determine the precise needs of the facility's layout, its size, cost and other basic factors. Strahl anticipated it would include laboratories, living quarters and a cafeteria, at least.

Strahl spoke of the economic spin-off benefits the community can expect from such a project. Construction contracts and jobs in the operation of the facility are obvious, but Strahl also said part of the government's plans for the project would bring local residents into the research aspect. Although most scientists will come from southern Canada or other countries, they will need guides for field research and can also employ people for collecting data and wildlife samples.

"Canada's unique advantage in Northern science is of course the people who live here," Strahl said.

As part of the federal budget for 2009, Ottawa has also allocated $85 million over the next two years towards upgrading existing Arctic science and technology facilities. As part of the announcement, Strahl invited proposals from government, academic and non-profit groups already involved in Arctic research to take advantage of the cash.