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IQALUIT
The federal government is going to put $77.3 million into helping the Government of Nunavut basically rebuild the Iqaluit International Airport, Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq announced on Sept. 20.

Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq announced on Sept. 20 at Iqaluit's airport that the Government of Nunavut will receive $77.3 million in funding, through the P3 Canada Fund, to help pay for an up-to-$300-million upgrade of the Iqaluit International Airport. - Tim Edwards/NNSL photo

The total cost of the project is estimated to be between $250 million and $300 million.

Aglukkaq said the upgrade "will improve safety and services of the airport and expedite transportation between Northern communities" at a news conference held at the airport.

The project includes a completely new airport terminal building with upgraded baggage scanning and security features, expanded aprons for planes to park, an upgraded runway, new lighting systems, and a facility to house firefighting vehicles, support equipment and heavy equipment used in maintaining runways.

The money is coming from the P3 Canada Fund, which helps projects that are developed as partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Transportation Minister Peter Taptuna said a private partner is being selected to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the new airport over a 30-year term.

The request for qualifications closed on Aug. 15 and a request for proposals is to be issued to the top three contenders in October.

Aglukkaq said the new project will carry with it employment, education and training opportunities for Nunavummiut, under the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Policy, which encourages that projects allow for Inuit participation.

Premier Eva Aariak said this project will be the largest ever undertaken by the GN.

"The renewed airport will position Iqaluit as the hub for air travel in the Canadian Arctic, as well as the gateway to opportunities in Greenland and elsewhere in the circumpolar world," said Aariak.

Taptuna told the crowd of onlookers that included MLAs and communications staff as well as people just waiting for their flights - suits and sealskin vests among jackets and sweaters - that the GN is still aware of the numerous other infrastructure needs the territory has.

"I haven't forgotten about our other regional airports - Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, just to name a few," said Taptuna, adding that progress has been made in improving those facilities through money already in the GN's budget.

Aariak said conversation is continuing between the GN and the federal government about much-needed investments in housing, transportation, energy and telecommunications.

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