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Kimmirut

Kimmirut, previously known as Lake Harbour, is named after a nearby rock formation shaped like a heel.  The community is located on the southern coast of Baffin Island, near the mouth of the Soper River, which is a designated Canadian Heritage River.  The river valley is significantly warmer than the surrounding area and is home to an astonishing variety of plants and wildlife.  Katannilik Territorial Park encompasses the Soper River and the Itijjagiaq Trail, a 120 km traditional overland route from Iqaluit to Kimmirut.  The community’s well developed tourism sector provides excellent outfitting and guiding, and the natural wonders of the region are a popular attraction for eco-tourists, kayakers, canoeists and rafters.

Kimmirut is well known for its impressive number of talented carvers, who utilize the unusual and abundant stone found in the area.  Jewelry making is also becoming increasingly popular due to the discovery of local gemstones.

Potential non-renewable resources in the region include: iron, gold, diamonds, and gemstones.

Land Use Planning

Approved Land Use Plan

The community of Kimmirut 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 January 10-11, 2013, for community engagement meetings on the Draft Plan.

Information was presented and received from participants in Kimmirut 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 January 10-11, 2013 in Kimmirut 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”.

Fact Sheet
Region: 
Baffin
Population: 
411
93% Inuit
Longitude: 
69° 52.8' W
Latitude: 
62° 51.0' N
1,970 km north of Ottawa