Arctic Bay, located on northern Baffin Island, is also known as Ikpiarjuk, or “the pocket,” because of the hills and cliffs that surround the community on three sides. A 32 km all-weather gravel road, which is the only highway on Baffin Island, connects Arctic Bay to the former mining community of Nanisivik.
The area is home to an abundance of marine mammals, including narwhal, walrus, and seals. Local outfitters can arrange travel to Sirmilik National Park for spectacular hiking, backcountry camping, ski-touring, and sea kayaking.
Potential non-renewable resources in the region include: oil and gas, iron, coal, gold, diamonds, uranium, and base metals.
Land Use Planning
Approved Land Use Plan
The community of Arctic Bay is located within the planning region of the North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan (NBRLUP). The NPC reviews all project proposals in and around Arctic Bay to determine if the proposed activities conform to the requirements of the NBRLUP.
Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan
Between 2004 and 2011, NPC staff visited every Nunavut community to conduct individual “Use and Occupancy Mapping” interviews to collect information on traditional land use activities “within living memory”. This community land use information is included in the Draft Plan and has been used to support decision making.
The Commission also visited the Community of Arctic Bay on November 1-2, 2012 for community engagement meetings on the Draft Plan.
Information was presented and received from participants in Arctic Bay in accordance with Nunavut Planning Commission’s Engagement Strategy.
The summary report of the Community Meetings on the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan held on November 1-2, 2012 in Arctic Bay can be found below.
The community views and comments have been very informative in the ongoing process of development and revisions of the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan. In particular, all areas of importance idenfitied by the community are included in the Draft Plan as “Community Priorities and Values”.