Industrial development plan for Iqaluit’s West 40 area gets committee backing

A plan to convert a section of Iqaluit’s West 40 area for industrial use was approved Tuesday by the city’s planning and development committee.

The plan would turn a mostly unoccupied wetland area, located between the airport and causeway, into lots that businesses would be able to use for industrial purposes.

Iqaluit’s West 40 area is set to be developed into an industrial subdivision. (Screenshot courtesy of City of Iqaluit)

The concept also protects areas where dog teams are kept.

“This concept plan balances the needs of various interests in a way that is cohesive, responds to the sensitive environmental conditions of the area, and carefully considers end users through community-oriented design,” Mathew Dodds, the city’s planning director, told councillors.

Coun. Amber Aglukark commended city staff for working with dog team owners, who have used the area for many years, to make sure their areas would be safe.

In 2023, before she was a councillor, Aglukark and other representatives from Iqaluit Qimussiqtiit Katimajingit, Iqaluit’s dogsledding association, raised concerns about how a potential industrial development in West 40 might impact their activities.

“This collaboration sets a positive example of how we can move forward as a community, grounded in respect for our Inuit culture while planning for the future of Iqaluit,” she said Tuesday.

“I look forward to further collaboration of what the planning and designs look like for the safety and protection of our dog teams.”

One concern raised by councillors, including Mayor Solomon Awa, was over the lack of boat storage space in the area. He suggested designating some land in the area for boat parking.

“For individuals who live in Apex, it’s difficult and they need to have a closer parking lot for their boats,” Awa said.

After a suggestion from chief administrative officer Steve England, Coun. Kyle Sheppard proposed that staff identify an area on the development map that could be used for boat storage.

Sheppard’s motion passed, with only Coun. Simon Nattaq voting against it.

The discussion on the entirety of the West 40 development plans went on for close to an hour.

Numerous other points were discussed, including environmental concerns as well as the issue of rotational workers taking up what could be family housing in the community.

Councillors eventually voted unanimously in favour of a four-part motion to approve the general concept of the subdivision plan, including lots and roads; approve maps for future zoning and general plan bylaw amendments of the land; approve the strategy for how the city would dispose of the lots; and approve the areas the city will protect for dog team use. Final approval from council is still required.

The staff report indicates construction on roads and water drainage infrastructure would begin next year.