CanNor investments to support Nunavut tourism industry

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, announced investments of $981,605 delivered by CanNor to support four tourism projects in communities across Nunavut.

This investment is through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) and the Northern Aboriginal Economic Opportunities Program (NAEOP). The TRF enables tourism businesses to create new or enhance existing tourism experiences and products to attract more local and domestic visitors. It's also designed to help the sector reposition itself and welcome international visitors by providing the best Canadian tourism experiences that can be offered.

NAEOP supports greater participation by First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and businesses, enabling them to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. The two program streams are the Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning (CROP) program and the Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) program.

Pond Inlet Tourist Attractions: $500,000

CanNor is investing $500,000 towards a two-year project by the hamlet to improve visitor infrastructure in Pond Inlet by widening the Salmon River access road, developing a gravel pathway down the Salmon River, and erecting a gazebo at the existing destination sign. Pond Inlet is a popular stop for the northern cruise industry, which is expected to recover following COVID-19 restrictions. Enhancing infrastructure and access to the Salmon River will provide an additional local tourism destination to market to cruise travellers. This project is expected to create three seasonal jobs during the construction phase and maintain one job.

Arctic Bay Adventures: $295,606

CanNor is investing $295,606 towards this one-year project. The project will allow Arctic Bay Adventures, a community-owned enterprise, to expand its operations and adapt to new public health measures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will be used to acquire specialized expedition gear which will increase the number of destinations they can offer and safely increase the number of participants per trip. It will also allow them to upgrade the quality of the excursions and adapt the business to prepare for a growing demand in adventure tourism. Finally, they are providing training and apprenticeship opportunities to Inuit youth and less experienced guides. This project is expected to result in 20 jobs for 6 months over the course of the tourism season.

Kivalliq Expediting and Tours Inc.: $99,999

CanNor is investing $99,999 towards a two-year project with a further investment from Kivalliq Expediting and Tours Inc., the Kivalliq Inuit Association, the Government of Nunavut, and a loan from the Royal Bank of Canada. Through this funding, Kivalliq Expediting and Tours Inc. will be upgrading its operations to provide year-round small-scale marine expeditions between Kivalliq communities and charter tours. The business has already secured a Bombardier vehicle for ground transportation between several Kivalliq communities. The organization is also in the process of securing a 28' commercial boat with plans to incorporate it into operations by March 2023. This project is expected to create two new part time positions for the business and maintain one existing full time positon.

Illu Tours: $86,000

CanNor is investing $86,000 towards a two-year project with Illu Tours, with additional funding from the Business Development Bank of Canada and futurpreneur. The project will allow Illu Inc. to create a business plan and implement a marketing strategy to attract domestic tourists to Cambridge Bay and the Kitikmeot Region. The company will also upgrade its website to improve the user booking experience and contactless check in / check out procedures. The funding will also be used to purchase protective equipment supplies that will keep visitors and staff safe.