Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced Oct. 2 that it is investing more than $77 million in a multi-use small-craft harbour in Arctic Bay. The federal government says Pilitak Enterprises Ltd. holds the construction contract, which includes an Inuit benefits plan for local training and employment. Canada says work began in August 2026. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

The project is intended to give Arctic Bay harvesters, fishers, hunters and other boat users safer access to the water. Planned work includes a breakwater, launch ramp, fixed wharf, floating wharves and dredging of the harbour basin and entrance channel. Canada says the harbour is also meant to support marine transportation, tourism and commercial fishing. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

Construction is expected to continue through 2029. The federal release says the harbour is anticipated to be operating for the 2030 open-water season. That is a target, not confirmation that the facility is complete or open. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

The Oct. 2 announcement is not the date the contract was awarded. CanadaBuys records show the $77,035,350 contract was awarded competitively to Pilitak Enterprises Ltd. on Feb. 17, 2026, and list an expiry date of May 7, 2030. The federal release does not state how many local jobs or training placements the Inuit benefits plan will create. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗