Clyde River small craft harbour nears completion

A $38-million small craft harbour in Clyde River is almost finished following four years of construction, federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced Friday in Iqaluit.

“We expect the Clyde River small craft harbour will be fully operational by the time open water season arrives this year,” she said.

Open water season in the area typically runs from June to October.

A new small craft harbour in Clyde River, seen here under construction, is expected to be functional by the time boats are in the water this year. (Photo courtesy of Eleanor McEwan/DFO/MPO)

The new harbour is welcome and has been a long time coming, said Clyde River chief administrative officer Billy Palluq in a phone interview.

“Since I was growing up, people have been crying out for a breakwater and small craft harbour,” he said. “This will definitely benefit the hunters and the community.”

Built by Iqaluit-based Pilitak Enterprises Ltd., the facility includes breakwaters on both sides, a fixed dock with a launch ramp, and multiple floating docks. The harbour will be able to accommodate up to 72 boats.

The facility is designed to support local commercial fishing, enable sealift resupply, facilitate tourism, and provide docking for vessels during harsh weather.

In addition to convenience and opportunity, the facility brings increased safety, said Richard Paton, Qikiqtani Inuit Association assistant executive director of marine and wildlife conservation, in an interview on Friday.

The Clyde River facility will allow country food to be easily brought ashore for processing, decreasing crowding on the boats, he said.

“There are dangers with harvesting when there is no small craft harbour,” he said, describing the rush to board fishing and hunting vessels returning with a large catch.

Construction and maintenance of the harbour is being overseen by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in consultation with community members.

Once complete, day-to-day operations will be managed by members of the local hunters and trappers organization through the newly formed non-profit Niutaq Harbour Authority.

The harbour was provided for as part of the Inuit impact and benefit agreement that allowed for the creation of the proposed Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area and Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area, signed in 2019.

It’s one of 14 marine areas identified to be protected across Canada, managed by the Fisheries and Oceans Department. Plans to finalize Tallurutiup Imanga are ongoing. Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area was formalized in 2024.

The federal government maintains 935 small craft harbours across the country, at which 90 per cent of all commercial fish and seafood landings take place.

A grand opening celebration of Clyde River’s harbour is planned for mid-September.