Iqaluit wants to develop 7 hectares along road to Apex
Other areas of the city also have development plans to start in 2027
The City of Iqaluit plans to develop 7 hectares along Niaqunngusiariaq Rd. for institutional use. (Photo by Mosha Folger)
The City of Iqaluit is seeking to develop seven hectares of land alongside Niaqunngusiariaq Rd., known as “Area F,” for institutional use next year.
On May 28, the municipality announced its land use plans, which will “address different long-term needs related to housing, municipal services, transportation, institutional development, and future community expansion.”
In an email to Nunatsiaq News, city communications manager Geoff Byrne said Area F was chosen for institutional use for multiple reasons.
“While proximity to infrastructure such as utilidors is certainly a consideration, it is only one of several factors,” Byrne said.
“Planners also evaluate how new areas integrate with surrounding land uses, the overall structure of the community, and the City’s long-term land needs.”
At a Feb. 17 planning and development committee meeting, Iqaluit councillors reviewed a summary of the Long-Range Report, which identified possible areas for development. It stated that Area F could host “large institutional projects such as the [Nunavut Inuit] Heritage Centre and new government facilities.”
According to the report, construction is scheduled to begin in 2027. The report also says development plans for Area F have been in place since 2003, shortly after the completion of the Arctic Winter Games Arena.
Other areas slated for construction in 2027 include the Tundra Ridge expansion of 50 new residential units, plans for which began last year.
In an area around where the Aqsarniit Hotel sits, there is development planned for 2027 to make room for 500 residential units and five hectares of industrial and commercial space.
Also in 2027, the city plans to start moving the quarry, which is next to the airport runway, to a “safer, more distant location,” according to the Long-Range Report. The city also plans to set aside 35 hectares in the zone for future airport.
Finally!
“In an area around where the Aqsarniit Hotel sits, there is development planned for 2027 to make room for 500 residential units…”
Cockroach infestations are now happening in town. Any idea how these big building owners plan to deal with it effectively? Or at all? Don’t believe me? Ask around. Better yet, share your stories if you have had to deal with them.
The development you mentioned is QIA’s, but the bigger question is what GN building inspectors and Fire Marshals are actually doing to deal with slumlords and unsafe housing conditions.
Infestations and run-down buildings are a direct result of poor property management by NHC, Northview, and other major landlords who continue to extract money from tenants while conditions get worse. Northview’s profits keep rising, while the quality of housing for residents continues to decline.
It is time for the GN to step up, enforce standards, and fix this.
Heyyyy look at that, they’ve finally decided to plan to build on the area I’ve been suggesting they build on for years.