Iqaluit is Canada's most northern city, with a population of about 7,000 residents. The community is not connected by road or rail and only has ship access for part of the year, so it relies heavily on aviation for its logistic needs.
Under a 30-year Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Government of Nunavut, Arctic Infrastructure Partners was contracted to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the expansion and redevelopment of the Iqaluit International Airport. WASCO created a subsidiary in Nunavut Airport Services Limited (NASL) which manager the Iqaluit International Airport. In collaboration with our consortium partner, Arctic Infrastructure Partners, WASCO provides airport management, airport operations, facility maintenance and technical services for the Iqaluit International Airport.
Client | Government of Nunavut |
Location | Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada |
Key partnerships | Arctic Infrastructure Partners |
Under a 30-year Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Government of Nunavut, Arctic Infrastructure Partners was contracted to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the expansion and redevelopment of the Iqaluit International Airport.
This is the first and only completed airport PPP project in Canada. Under WASCO’s management, the Iqaluit International Airport also became the first ISO 9001 Quality Management System accredited airport operation in Canada.
Through our wholly owned subsidiary, Nunavut Airport Services Limited (NASL), WASCO assumed complete operation of the airport, which included transference of the Airport Operating Certificate from the Government of Nunavut to NASL. During the construction phase, which was completed in 2017, WASCO ensured compliance with Transport Canada regulatory requirements through the implementation of a Plan of Construction Operations.
A new Air Terminal Building
A new Combined Services Building
Expanded apron and re-aligned taxiways
Full-length runway rehabilitation
New airfield lighting system
Engagement with the local community has been a priority of this partnership. In accordance with the Project Agreement, NASL was to employ 20% of beneficiaries’ staff by 2020. We are pleased to note that by project commencement, NASL has exceeded this target and continues to make strides in engaging with the local community. We have exceeded our contractual obligations and are proud not only of our commitment to Nunavut but also of the community’s commitment to aviation and the Iqaluit International Airport.
