Arviq HTO, the hunters and trappers organization in Naujaat, is urging the federal government to pause the Steensby railway project to review newer research on its environmental impacts. Baffinland Iron Mines announced in January that it had obtained all necessary approvals to develop the Steensby section of its Mary River iron ore mine on Baffin Island in Nunavut. This initiative aims to enhance iron ore transportation from the existing Mary River mine by constructing a railway to a proposed port at Steensby Inlet.
Although Naujaat, located 525 kilometers from the planned port, initially did not anticipate being affected by a project on Baffin Island, recent studies have prompted Arviq HTO to believe otherwise. Following the project’s approval by the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) in 2012, the organization now fears potential impacts on Naujaat residents. In response, on February 6, Arviq HTO formally requested the NIRB and the federal government to reassess the project.
Arviq HTO expressed concerns that the Steensby railway could disrupt caribou migration routes on Baffin Island, potentially forcing hunters to seek caribou on the mainland, impacting the caribou populations crucial to Naujaat residents. Additionally, the organization highlighted worries about the escalated shipping activities in the Foxe Basin and its potential adverse effects on narwhals passing through their waters.
One major contention raised by Arviq HTO is the lack of consultation they received regarding the rail and road project. The organization sought assistance from Ecojustice, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive consultation considering their direct stake in the proposed project. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada acknowledged Arviq HTO’s apprehensions and assured a forthcoming response to their plea for reconsideration.
While Baffinland noted Arviq HTO’s absence in the NIRB public hearings, they emphasized that the concerns raised by the organization were being addressed through the NIRB’s environmental assessment and monitoring processes. Arviq HTO, however, criticized the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) for allegedly failing to adequately engage with the concerns they raised.
In terms of permits, Baffinland is still awaiting approvals from Fisheries and Oceans Canada for two applications related to in-water works near fish habitats. Transport Canada also has 13 pending applications, including permits for infrastructure along the railway and at the proposed port facility. Despite the ongoing permit processes, Baffinland affirmed having all essential authorizations to commence the construction of the Steensby Component.
Ecojustice’s Gunvaldsen Klaassen highlighted that Arviq HTO will persist in dialogues with the authorities until their concerns are properly addressed. Legal action remains a possibility if the organization’s apprehensions are not adequately acknowledged and resolved.