NUNAVUT – The federal government is investing $35 million in two different Arctic projects.
The projects in Iqaluit and Nunavut are intended to improve the flow of supplies to northern communities, enhance economic opportunities and improve travel to and from remote communities through infrastructure upgrades, explains a release.
An expanded cargo warehouse operated by First Air will be built at the Iqaluit airport which will increase capacity by approximately 75 per cent for climate-controlled dry goods and refrigerated products. The building will incorporate aircraft freight containers and radio frequency identification and will use high efficiency building systems to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint.
The other project will demolish and replace outdated terminal buildings in Kugluktuk, Naujaat, Kimmirut, Whale Cove and Chesterfield Inlet, and will involve the engineering, design and construction of new energy efficient buildings.
“We are supporting projects that will efficiently move commercial goods to market and people to their destinations, stimulate economic growth, create quality middle-class jobs, and ensure that Canada’s transportation networks remain competitive and efficient,” Minister of Transport Marc Garneau said in a statement.
The projects are being funded under the National Trade Corridors Fund, a $2-billion federal fund that aims to address long-term Canadian infrastructure needs. Approximately $400 million is dedicated to improving northern territorial transportation infrastructure.
“The investment announced here today makes our transportation system stronger by addressing urgent capacity constraints at First Air operations and at five airports in Nunavut and fosters long-term prosperity for our community,” added Yvonne Jones, the parliamentary secretary to the minister of crown-indigenous relations and northern affairs.
Too much $$$ has already been spent on Iqaluit Airport.