QIA confirms the construction of a $14 million childcare facility in Arctic Bay

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association has announced the launch of a new child care facility in Arctic Bay.

“It is a cornerstone for the Arctic Bay community,” said Jeremy Tunraluk, chairman of the Kakivak Association board of directors. “It will house a good number of children … while providing employment for parents. The daycare has helped us work directly with the community. It’s very important to have (a daycare) for when the parents are older.” at work… there is currently no childcare.

“It was Gail Redpath who has taken the lead over the last few years… her help has been phenomenal,” Tunraluk added. “We’re working very closely with the land officer… we’re very excited. This is a long-term project that will really help the community.”

A similar facility is currently being built in Sanirajak. These two child care centers are realizations of an October 3, 2023 announcement when the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) Board of Directors approved a resolution to co-invest in the construction of three new child care facilities in Sanirajak, Arctic Bay, and Pond Inlet.

This total investment for the Arctic Bay project is $14 million, to be spent between 2024 and 2027. The funding includes $5 million from the federal Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund with an additional $9 million allocated from Kakivak’s Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care program.

On October 10, 2024, QIA’s board of directors approved the overall project budget and named NCC Development the company contracted to build the Arctic Bay facility. Concentric Engineering has also been retained to provide design and construction administration services.

The Arctic Bay child care facility will follow the same model as the Sanirajak facility, ensuring consistency. A 50-year land lease has been agreed and NCC Development has submitted a construction proposal.

The new Arctic Bay facility will have an area of ​​502 square meters with an attached deck of 191 square meters. It will have two classrooms, each suitable for 16 pre-schoolers, an infant activity room with connecting washrooms and changing areas, and an infant sleeping area for 12 young people. The facility’s central hub will house a kitchen, laundry room, storage and accessible restrooms, along with staff offices and a meeting room.

“This facility represents more than just a building; it is a cornerstone for the future of our children and communities,” says Tunraluk. “We are proud to support Arctic Bay in building a nurturing, educational space that will benefit the entire community for generations to come.”