The NIRB registry lists an Oct. 8 filing from Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation, titled “NCC Response to IR,” for the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project. The board’s project dashboard still lists the file as an active screening. It also shows that NIRB requested an extension to its screening deadline on Sept. 22, after the public comment period ended Sept. 3. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

The Inuit-led proposal could eventually supply Iqaluit with up to 30 megawatts of hydroelectric power and reduce the city’s use of imported diesel. But it remains a proposal. The screening must still be completed and any later permits, licences and approvals would still be required before construction could proceed. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

NIRB must consider the new response while it continues the screening. The public registry should next show whether the federal minister grants the board’s extension request and whether NIRB issues a screening decision. No new public comment deadline is listed on the dashboard.

The proposal includes a dam, reservoir and powerhouse in the Kuugaluk River system on Hall Peninsula, plus about 66 kilometres each of all-season road and transmission line to Iqaluit. NIRB’s summary says the reservoir could cover about 7,300 hectares. These are proposed project features, not approved construction work. The current registry does not show that NIRB has approved the project or that the minister has ruled on the extension request. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗