Pond Inlet, Nunavut, to get new $40M harbour

Pond Inlet is getting a new, $40 million marine and small craft harbour.

Nunavut MP and federal environment minister, Leona Aglukkaq, was in the community today to make the announcement.

"The marine infrastructure for Pond Inlet means a better protected area for the local hunters, the local boaters," Aglukkaq said, "but it increases the ability for more tourism potential in the community with cruise ships coming to visit."

The new facility will also be big enough to accommodate large vessels delivering goods during the short summer sealift season.

Aglukkaq said the project has been in the works for 30 years, and was presented to Prime Minister Stephen Harper during his tour last summer.

The federal government says it will contribute up to $30 million, from the New Building Canada Plan, with the Nunavut government picking up the rest of the tab.