Feasibility Study for Canada’s new High Arctic Research Station

The Government of Canada committed to “build a world-class Arctic research station that will be on the cutting edge of Arctic issues, including environmental science and resource development. This station will be built by Canadians, in Canada's Arctic, and it will be there to serve the world.” This commitment supports the Canadian Government's Northern Strategy, which consists of four pillars: sovereignty, economic and social development, environmental protection and governance, all of which are underpinned by science.

On February 20, 2009 The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced the three locations being considered for Canada's new High Arctic Research Station. Communities being considered are: Cambridge Bay, Pond Inlet and Resolute, all of which are in Nunavut. Canada's Economic Action Plan provided Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) with $2 million to undertake a feasibility study for the proposed station, which will lever existing research infrastructure by serving as the hub for scientific activity in Canada's vast and diverse Arctic region.

The feasibility study will be led by INAC with support from Public Works and Government Services Canada and private contractors. Contracting opportunities will be publicly advertised. The feasibility study will establish the functions of the facility; outline the preliminary project costs and schedule to build it; and provide an analysis of the location options. It will also set out the operational requirements necessary for the facility to become the hub of scientific activities in Canada's North.

Through consultations with the communities being considered for the High Arctic Research Station, and through the engagement of Arctic science and technology stakeholders, the feasibility study will define functional requirements such as the type of services and programs to be offered. INAC will initiate community consultations and the analysis of stakeholder needs in the spring of 2009. The feasibility study is expected to be completed by the fall of 2010.

This site will be updated with information relating to the feasibility study as it unfolds over the next 14 - 18 months. You are encouraged to check back regularly. If you have comments or feedback on the feasibility study for Canada's new High Arctic Research Station please contact the Arctic Science Policy Directorate at dpsa-aspd@ainc.gc.ca. Although we may not be able to personally respond to every comment we appreciate your valuable input.