CanNor helps Rankin pay for port study

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency will spend a small amount of money to help the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet figure out a business case for a port, the agency announced May 24.

CanNor will give the hamlet $27,980, while the Government of Nunavut and the hamlet will each spend $5,000 of their own money on the business case study.

“This is a major step for increased development in our community,” Rankin Inlet Mayor Pujjut Kusugak said in the release.

Rankin Inlet lies only 25 kilometres south of the proposed Meliadine gold mine, which would be connected to the community by an all-weather road that is already under construction.

The community has for many years aspired to become a transportation hub for the Kivalliq region.

“A port facility would help businesses and their customers in our community and the region by lowering costs and supporting shipping companies to be more efficient. This investment would also help show that the North is ready and willing to help industry move forward,” Kusugak said.

The business case report would look at options for constructing and operating a port at Rankin Inlet, as well as an unloading and temporary storage area.