Iqaluit, located on southern Baffin Island, is the capital of Nunavut. The diverse community is the transportation and administrative centre of the region and offers a variety of modern conveniences. Iqaluit is a rapidly growing city, with many exciting new economic and social opportunities.
The area is home to many historical and natural attractions. Local outfitters can arrange a trip to Qaummaarviit Territorial Historic Park, which hosts numerous Thule archaeological sites, and a variety of wildlife and archaeological sites can be found within walking distance at the beautiful Sylvia Grinnell River and Territorial Park. The historic Soper River, a designated Canadian Heritage River, and Katannilik Territorial Park, located to the south, can also be accessed from Iqaluit.
Potential non-renewable resources in the region include: iron, gold, diamonds, and gemstones.
Land Use Planning
Approved Land Use Plan
The community of Iqaluit is not yet covered by an approved land use plan.
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 on November 28-29, 2012, for community engagement meetings on the Draft Plan .
Information was presented and received from participants in Iqaluit 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 March 28-29, 2012 in Iqaluit 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 identified by the community are included in the Draft Plan as “Community Priorities and Values”.