High Arctic Research Station construction contract awarded
Manager selected to build state-of-the-art facility in Cambridge Bay, expected to begin in fall
Walter Strong
Northern News Services
Published Monday, May 26, 2014
IKALUKTUTIAK/CAMBRIDGE BAY
EllisDon Corporation and NCC Dowland Construction Ltd. - both Canadian companies - have been selected to manage the construction of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in Cambridge Bay August 2012 when he announced $142 million in funding for the Arctic Research Station. On May 21, the federal government announced that Ellis Don Corporation and NCC Dowland were awarded the contract to manage construction of the facility. Construction is expected to begin this fall. - photo courtesy of Government of Canada |
When the arctic research station program was announced in 2012, it included $142 million funding commitment by the federal government.
The construction contract awarded to EllisDon is for approximately $85 million.
The company is expected to begin construction this fall and the facility is expected to be operational by 2017.
The federal agencies responsible for the project expect it to generate up to 150 jobs during construction. Most of those jobs are expected to be in the North, but some specialized construction will take place outside of Nunavut and be shipped in.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, the ministry responsible for the project, was not available before press time to comment on plans to promote local employment.
Construction will be governed under procurement agreements in place under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Once built, the facility is expected to provide up to 50 permanent and seasonal employment positions.
Last summer, project planners visited Cambridge Bay to discuss the design and proposed location of the facility with residents.
"The architectural and engineering design consultants wanted to meet with residents to discuss topics with regards to the design and use of the Qaggiq as the main entrance gathering place, the use of the paths to access the research station and the incorporation of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles," said Jamie Lee Maghagak, economic development program officer with the Hamlet of Cambridge Bay at the time.
Quajimajatuqangit principles are meant to embody traditional Inuit knowledge and environmental stewardship.
The facility will be built on Cambridge Bay's Plateau site, close to the hamlet's resident population, overlooking the community core. The main building will be 4,500-square-metres and a second 1,500-square-metre maintenance building is also planned.
Dr. Martin Raillard was named chief scientist for the research station
early in March.
