The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) and the Community Lands and Resource Committee (CLARC) in Iqaluit are opposing Qulliq Energy Corporation’s (QEC) plans to develop a hydroelectric Project at Nunngarut (Armshow South).

CLARC Chairperson Simon Nattaq says, “The initial plans to build a dam at Nunngarut was opposed by many in Kimmirut and Iqaluit as it is a place that is frequented by Kimmirummiut and Iqalummiut for fishing and hunting activities. Travelling between Iqaluit and Kimmirut would also be threatened as the lake at Nunngarut is the only viable route to cross. For these reasons we have concluded that the impact on Inuit would be too great.”

On September 18, the QIA provided comments on QEC’s hydroelectric dam proposal which is currently under Part 5 review by the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB). In the letter, QIA states they are supporting community members’ opposition to the proposal due to the location and that the proposal should to be sent back to the proponent for modification.

The QEC is proposing to build two dams outside of Iqaluit. Phase 1 of the project involves building the first dam at Qikirrijaarvik (Jaynes Inlet), approximately 40 kilometers south of Iqaluit. Phase 2 of QEC’s plan is to raise a 25-metre dam at Nunngarut (Armshow South), approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Iqaluit and connect to the Phase 1 grid.

The QIA CLARC in Iqaluit met with QIA on September 18 to make their final decision to oppose the plans for the dam at Nunngarut. Based on that decision, QIA has concluded that it will not approve any permits to build in this location which is partially situated on Inuit-Owned-Lands and within the Katannilik Territorial Park. The CLARC and QIA are requesting that QEC resubmit their hydroelectric project proposal without the Armshow South dam component.

CLARC is a committee under QIA who advises about land management and development related to Inuit-Owned-Lands. There is a CLARC committee in each community in the Qikiqtani region.

QIA encourages QEC to further explore alternative sites in the region for potential hydro development.

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For further information, please contact:

David Joanasie
Communications Manager
(867) 975-8414
djoanasie@qia.ca