Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) secretary-treasurer Joe Attagutaluk, vice-president Olayuk Akesuk, president PJ Akeeagok, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (QC) president and chief executive officer Harry Flaherty, and QIA member-at-large Levi Barnabas cut the ribbon on a new deal. The business arm of the Inuit organization signed a lease on a parcel of Inuit-owned land in Iqaluit, and will move ahead with development, beginning with a hotel and conference centre. photo courtesy of Qikiqtani Inuit Association

by Michele LeTourneau– December 2, 2017

The road into the heart of the city from the new Iqaluit International Airport isn’t the most welcoming, but with 16 hectares, or 40 acres, of Inuit-owned land (IOL) opened up for development along Federal Road, there is great potential to improve the situation.

The Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (QC) officially leased the land from Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) in November, so there’s one less hurdle to move ahead on a project that’s been in the planning stages since 2013.

“This Inuit-owned land development will showcase how innovative development can assist in growing our city strategically in ways that foster culture, community, social infrastructure and economic opportunities,” said QC president and chief executive officer Harry Flaherty.

QC project manager Sheldon Nimchuk said the first building will be the hotel and conference centre, with the plan being to build both economically-driven and socially-driven projects to enhance the area, as well as enhance the lives and Inuit and Nunavummiut.

The Planning Rationale Report is available on the QC website.

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