Construction for Iqaluit’s long-term water project is expected to begin in September 2025, according to a consultant’s presentation to city council Tuesday night.
Councillors also received a detailed timeline for the design phase of the project from Ian McBean, the water project management consultant for Colliers Project Leaders, at the meeting.
They saw designs prepared by consulting company Arcadis Canada Inc. for major components of the project including a conveyance pipe, intake station for water, an embankment dam and a water pumping station which would be at Lake Geraldine.
Arcadis noted in a report shared with council that a topographic survey through the project area of Lake Geraldine to council’s preferred water source of Qikiqtalik Lake has been completed, as well as an archeological investigation of the project area and an initial biological field review.
In 2022, the City of Iqaluit received $214 million in federal funding to build a new reservoir and improve the city’s water distribution system. For years, the need for new water infrastructure was seen by many as a barrier to growth and development in the city.