Review board recommends Iqaluit hydro project proceed without full review as QIA weighs next steps

The Nunavut Impact Review Board has recommended that Iqaluit's proposed $500-million hydro project proceed without a public review, leaving the final decision to federal Arctic and Northern Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand. The board's Nov. 4 screening report said potential harms can be handled through terms and conditions. The Qikiqtani Inuit Association, whose development arm's subsidiary proposed the project, says it is considering next steps; it had argued mitigation for fish habitat, wildlife, permafrost and harvesting was uncertain. The 30-megawatt plant on the Kuugaaluk River could replace 15 million litres of imported diesel yearly, the developer says. QIA plans community events.