Andrea Markey
Northern News Services

Arctic Bay (Sep 26/05) - A new bed and breakfast and hotel will soon be open for business at the northern tip of Baffin Island.

Construction on the Kiggavik Bed and Breakfast isn't finished yet, but already the owners have had calls from people in France and Holland looking for rooms.

"We have been turning people away and could have been booked solid since May," said Clare Kines, who will run the business with his wife, Leah Ejangiaq-Kines.

The three-bedroom inn will open next month after a year of building.

The last of the construction materials come on this year's sealift.

"Arctic Bay ends up missing out on tourist dollars because there isn't any place to stay," said Kines. "There is a definite need."

Kines retired in Arctic Bay two years ago after a four-year RCMP posting in the community.

Ejanqiaq-Kines was born and raised here.

They decided they were going to stay and start a business, Kines said.

Eco-tourism will also be an aspect of the business, with floe-edge tours and package deals.

"We aren't as well known as Pangnirtung, but we are a jewel of the Arctic," he said.

As there are no restaurants in Arctic Bay, the bed and breakfast will offer lunch and supper, in addition to the complementary breakfast.

Flyers for the new business were distributed at the trade show in Iqaluit in May, and will be faxed to all government organizations.

Advertising will take place this winter for spring tours, he said.

Once the bed and breakfast is open, a website will also be designed.

A hotel is also under construction in the hamlet by Moses Oyukuluk, who also runs the taxi service.

Building materials were brought in on this year's sealift.

"It is great for Arctic Bay to get both a bed and breakfast and a hotel," said Sheena Qaunaq, community economic development officer.

"There is a great need as there are always people on business and pleasure trips who need a place to stay."

The two ventures will also help create some employment for people in the hamlet, directly and indirectly, she said.