The federal government, through its Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), announced funding of over $1.6 million February 25 for a two-year technical and feasibility work on developing a “hydroelectric-fibreoptic” link that would connect communities in the Kivalliq region to Northern Manitoba.
The studies will look at the feasibility of a main 230 kilovolt electric transmission line, up to 1200 kilometres, several shorter medium voltage transmission lines, and a fibre optic line. These lines would connect from Northern Manitoba and serve five Kivalliq communities as well as Agnico Eagle Mines, a major employer in the region. The project work being supported includes gathering technical data, conceptual design work, impact costing, required permits, and government and stakeholder engagement.
CanNor is working with project partners the Kivalliq Inuit Association and Anbaric Development Partners, who are contributing an additional $818,168.
The Kivalliq Inuit Association represents Inuit in the region, from the communities of Arviat, Whale Cove, Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield Inlet, Baker Lake, Naujaat, and Coral Harbour.