City of Iqaluit Sets Out Position Ahead of Water Licence Technical Meeting

Public Service Announcement
City of Iqaluit Sets Out Position Ahead of Water Licence Technical Meeting
August 10, 2026 – Iqaluit, Nunavut

 

The City of Iqaluit will participate in the Nunavut Water Board Technical Meeting and Pre-Hearing Conference on August 11 and 12 regarding the renewal and amendment of the City’s Water Licence 3AM-IQA1626.

The City is seeking renewal of the licence that allows it to operate the essential water, wastewater and waste systems Iqalummiut rely on every day. The City is also seeking approval for the infrastructure needed to establish Iqaluit’s long-term water supply, including the new reservoir and associated pump stations at the Apex River and Lake Qikiqtalik.

The City’s position is clear: Iqaluit requires a permanent, reliable water supply that supports the community today and allows it to continue building homes and accommodating future growth.

Lake Geraldine remains Iqaluit’s primary water source, but on its own it cannot meet the community’s long-term needs. In recent years, the City has relied on temporary approvals to supplement Lake Geraldine from the Apex River.

The City is therefore asking the Nunavut Water Board to replace the need for repeated emergency measures with a predictable, permanent framework for securing Iqaluit’s water supply.

The City recognizes that a project of this scale requires careful technical and environmental review. Federal departments and other parties have raised questions through the Water Board process relating to project design, monitoring, water management, fish and fish habitat, construction activities and the timing of required plans.

The City has responded to those comments and will continue working with the Nunavut Water Board and participating organizations to resolve outstanding matters.

The City recognizes that the proposed project has the potential to affect the Apex River, Lake Qikiqtalik and the proposed reservoir area. This requires careful consideration through the Nunavut Water Board process in the context of Iqaluit’s critical need for a secure, reliable and sustainable long-term drinking water supply. The City is committed to addressing appropriate requirements while advancing the infrastructure necessary to meet the community’s current and future water needs.

Iqaluit’s drinking water is safe and continues to be tested regularly. The current Water Board proceeding is not being driven by a problem with the water. It is about ensuring Iqaluit has the approvals and infrastructure required for a secure long-term water supply.

Water capacity is also directly connected to housing and community development. When available water supply is constrained, the City’s ability to approve and support new housing is constrained as well. Advancing the new reservoir is therefore not only a water infrastructure project, but also an important part of enabling Iqaluit to build more homes and support future growth.

The City welcomes the technical review and looks forward to working through the remaining issues with the Nunavut Water Board and participating parties on August 11 and 12.

The Nunavut Water Board’s Community Session will be held on Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Aqsarniit Hotel and Conference Centre, Ballroom B–C.

 

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For additional information, please contact:

Geoff Byrne

Communications and Customer Service Manager

City of Iqaluit

867-979-5619 | G.Byrne@iqaluit.ca