RANKIN INLET - A request for proposal has gone out for a feasibility study on a deep sea port facility for the community of Rankin Inlet.

Rankin economic development officer Damian MacInnis puts the finishing touches on a request for proposal for a study on a deep sea port facility for Rankin Inlet earlier this month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The facility would be one that goes with the tides in a heavy-duty, floating-dock style, as opposed to a sold piece of infrastructure constructed on land.

Investing in strategic deep-water ports is listed as one of the objectives in the new Nunavut Transportation Strategy.

Rankin chief economic development officer Damian MacInnis said if the project reaches fruition, the construction of such a facility would help support inter-settlement trade and economic development in the Kivalliq, and Nunavut in general.

He said the hamlet is currently undertaking the project on its own, but is looking for funding support from the federal and territorial governments.

"At this point, we're looking for engineering and consulting services on the planning and design of the port facility and lay-down area," said MacInnis.

"We're looking at a number of locations for the facility, and we'll be discussing further benefits of having one here during the feasibility study.

"The hamlet decided to move forward with this after speaking with Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM) and hearing its needs, as well as its assessment of what the community needs in order to support the Meliadine mine project.

"The port facility was one of the top priorities listed by AEM, so you could look at this as advance planning in connection with the mine."

MacInnis said the hamlet will look at every option concerning the port, including partnering with the private sector on the project.

He said a public-private partnership could also help the hamlet secure additional government funding.

"Should we reach the point where this is constructed, it will be available to everyone, not just the mining sector.

"The port would make drop-off operations a lot more efficient, and an expanded lay-down area would provide more space for cargo and equipment.

"And having such a permanent piece of infrastructure in Rankin would also help provide services to the rest of the region and the territory."

MacInnis said the possibility exists for the majority of ships to be able to unload right at the new port, after some dredging and other changes to the sea bottom.

He said there are at least four solid locations where the port could be placed.

"We'll look at an exact timeline for possible construction after the proposals are received.

"But AEM is estimating two or three years before it starts really revving-up activity at Meliadine, so we'll have to be on a bit of a fast track with the project."

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