IQALUIT
Nunavut's most ambitious infrastructure project is now being built when a construction crew broke ground on Iqaluit's new airport July 10. The project, with a capital cost of $298.5 million, will see the runway repaved and a new, modern terminal building open by late summer 2017.

An artist's rendering of the new terminal building, set to open in 2017, is part of the $298-million project, Nunavut's "largest capital project" ever, said Premier Peter Taptuna. - graphic courtesy of Government of Nunavut

"This is the largest capital project Nunavut has ever undertaken," said Premier Peter Taptuna. "It's a project that brings local jobs and training opportunities to Nunavummiut, which is in line with the priorities of our government. We have purposely worked to make sure that the increasing economic development opportunities specifically benefit Inuit through this project, meaning training and job opportunities."

A representative of city council was on hand at a ground-breaking ceremony July 10.

"This new project provides a new gateway to the city, and will put a new face on the city for those residents of Nunavut and visitors coming to the city to see a new entrance point and enjoy the city in a new light," said Iqaluit's acting mayor, Romeyn Stevenson.

A territorial government cabinet minister spoke to specifics.

"This new airport will have much needed improvements for passengers and operators. Many of these are simple and common sense, like designing the terminal and parking lot on the same level, or staging washrooms and refreshments on the other side of security, and having more than one baggage carousel," said Economic Development and Transportation Minister George Kuksuk.

In addition to the terminal building and runway improvements, runway lights and other safety systems will be installed, and a new building for fire trucks and snow plows will be built.

There will be multiple benefits from the project.

"Improved airport conveniences, enhanced security, more efficient and reliable operations, education and training opportunities for Inuit beneficiaries, the ability to expand the airport in the future without significant work, and reduced overall costs," are among the benefits, said Community and Government Services Minister Tom Sammurtok.

A January 2014 government report on the project stated that Nunavut will contribute $68.7 million during construction, PPP Canada (a federal agency) will give $72.8 million, and Arctic Infrastructure Partners will contribute the rest as debt and equity in the project.

In total, the Government of Nunavut will pay Arctic Infrastructure Partners $376.2 million by the time Arctic Infrastructure Partners's contract to manage the airport ends in 2047.

"The GN is achieving value for taxpayers’ dollars of $99.8 million by procuring the project as a partnership," the report stated, as compared with a non-private-public-partnership approach.