New daycare center in Arctic Bay, Nunavut, coming in 2026

Arctic Bay, Nunavut, will soon have a childcare facility again.

During the board of directors meeting, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) approved $14 million for the construction of the center by the Kakivak Association.

“We all know that communities are getting bigger. We need to ensure that we have a facility that will be sufficient in the future,” said QIA president Olayuk Akesuk.

The new facility will be over 500 meters in size, with a further 200 square meters of outdoor space, and is expected to accommodate 40 to 50 children and about six staff members. The plan is to open in 2026.

It is a similar model to the daycare center in Sanirajak, Nunavut, where construction has now begun.

Arctic Bay had a daycare center in the early 2000s, which was operated by two separate organizations that no longer exist.

Jeremy Tunraluk, chairman of the Kakivak board of directors, is confident this project will not fail because of the various funding options available to his organization and the $10 per day federal subsidies for child care.

“I believe it will continue as long as I live,” he said.

Gail Levi, secretary of the Arctic Bay daycare center and a councilor in the hamlet, believes the center will make a difference in the lives of working parents, or those wanting to complete their education.

“We have people who want to work, have the skills, but are hindered by the lack of reliable child care,” Levi said.

She’s already heard from locals who want to fill those childcare jobs.

“I don’t worry about that part at all.”

Akesuk said QIA is working to meet the needs of other communities without adequate access to childcare, with Pond Inlet next on the list.