Grays Bay Road and Port
Proponent
West Kitikmeot Resources Corporation
Sector
Transport
Location
Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut
Proponent
West Kitikmeot Resources Corporation
Sector
Transport
Location
Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut
This project is being considered for listing under the Building Canada Act
Description
The Grays Bay Road and Port (GBRP) is a proposed all-season ~230 km road from the Nunavut border to a deepwater port and airfield at Grays Bay on the Arctic Ocean. The deepwater export terminal and airstrip, could have dual-use (civilian-military) potential, subject to further assessment by National Defence.
The Grays Bay Road and Port will be delivered through West Kitikmeot Resources Corporation, a partnership between the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and private investors. The project could create new export links for critical minerals from the West Kitikmeot Region.
There are ongoing community consultations and Indigenous-led studies in the region, to discuss routing options to minimize impacts to local wildlife and marine ecosystems. The impact assessments, led by co-management boards, provide for broad participation that will help bring forward recommendations in these areas.
This project will create significant opportunities for economic growth and support Canada’s security and expanded military presence in the North.
Description
The Grays Bay Road and Port (GBRP) is a proposed all-season ~230 km road from the Nunavut border to a deepwater port and airfield at Grays Bay on the Arctic Ocean. The deepwater export terminal and airstrip, could have dual-use (civilian-military) potential, subject to further assessment by National Defence.
The Grays Bay Road and Port will be delivered through West Kitikmeot Resources Corporation, a partnership between the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and private investors. The project could create new export links for critical minerals from the West Kitikmeot Region.
There are ongoing community consultations and Indigenous-led studies in the region, to discuss routing options to minimize impacts to local wildlife and marine ecosystems. The impact assessments, led by co-management boards, provide for broad participation that will help bring forward recommendations in these areas.
This project will create significant opportunities for economic growth and support Canada’s security and expanded military presence in the North.
Quick facts
- Indigenous equity: The Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) has been a proponent developing the GBRP project since 2018, and maintains equity in West Kitikmeot Resources.
- Development: Has the potential to unlock natural resources development, including critical minerals such as copper and zinc.
- Transport access: Together with the Arctic and Economic Security Corridor, it will establish the first all-season road linking Nunavut to the National Highway System.
- Dual-use: Will establish a deepwater port and airfield at Grays Bay, which creates potential dual-use (civilian-military) opportunities.
Benefits
- Provides the enabling infrastructure for natural resource development, including critical minerals, expanded military presence and northern security.
- Has the potential to be linked up with the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor to create an all-season road connection from the Northwest Passage to the North American highway network.
- Establishes a new deepwater port with critical mineral export potential in the Arctic.
Latest updates
- On June 24, 2026, the Government of Canada announced the initiation of the process towards potential listing of the GBRP as a project of national interest under the Building Canada Act (BCA). Before any decision is taken, consultations will be held with Indigenous communities, the territorial government, and with federal permitting departments, to determine whether this project should be listed under the Act. These consultations will begin over the next several months, with the intent for the Minister of One Canadian Economy to make a recommendation for Governor in Council decision by the end of the year.
- On May 20, 2026, the Government of Canada announced up to $50 million through the First and Last Mile Fund for planning and preconstruction work.
- On March 12, 2026, the project was referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO).
- On March 1, 2026, West Kitikmeot Resources Corp. submitted the Impact Statement for the Grays Bay Road and Port Project to the Nunavut Impact Review Board, and the project is currently undergoing an assessment by the Board pursuant to the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act.
- The MPO is working with proponents to determine funding solutions, identify acceleration options, and support and streamline relevant regulatory processes. This work will be carried out while recognizing the unique treaty-based impact assessment framework and local regulatory environment in Nunavut.
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