Infrastructure Plan for Chesterfield Inlet
2025 / 2026
To improve and sustain the current community infrastructure and assets while avoiding operating at a financial loss. The top priority on the ICSP plan, as directed by the Mayor and Council during the 2025 meeting motion # 10-22-04, is to secure adequate funding to establish a new municipal quarry and acquire a larger crusher and equipment with GN-CGS funds. The urgent need for this equipment is to support the capital projects currently on hold due to a lack of granular supply for LOT development for NHC’s new housing project, the new QEC plan, a necessary barge landing to combat erosion, and numerous lots for private homeowners wishing to build their own modular homes. Additionally, Hamlet requires a minimum of 10,000 cubic metres annually for road maintenance. The goal of acquiring new granular equipment is to train local staff with transferable skills, build community capacity, create local jobs, and ensure funds circulate within the community rather than being spent on non-community contractors.
Housing
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Staff Housing - Hamlet
|
Renovate
|
The Hamlet staff house is in urgent need of significant renovations. The windows and doors must be replaced due to multiple break-ins that have resulted in damaged locks and doors. Additionally, the kitchen, including all appliances, requires a complete overhaul. Both the furnace and the water tank need to be replaced as well. The bathroom necessitates a complete renovation, including improvements to the ventilation system. As of October 21, 2025, Hamlet is actively researching and identifying funding options for this project.
|
|
Public Housing
|
New
|
The community is experiencing significant growth and urgently requires new housing lots to meet the increasing demand for residential properties. It is essential to conduct a comprehensive survey to assess the available land and facilitate the preparation for an upcoming housing development project. This initiative will help ensure that everyone has access to quality housing and can contribute to the community’s vibrancy.
|
Municipal Infrastructure
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Fire Hall
|
Renovate
|
COMPLETED IN 2021-2022-Fire Hall flooring needs to be replaced with gravel as the floor is replaced every year to ensure the fire truck does not fall through the floor
|
|
Hamlet Office
|
New
|
Building was built in 1985. No sprinkler systems. Out dated fire alarm system, automated power back does not work. EMO (Emerg Mgt), is in a secondary reception area. Building has had fuel spills, joists were soaked in fuel posing severe fire hazard. The entire building is very noon fire resistant. Hamlet building needs to be renovated or a new build. No sprinkler system in place as current building was built in 1985. Fire hazards are a plenty. The building is not up to code. As of Oct 21, 2025, it is now a GN - Capital Plan.
|
|
Maintenance Garage - Hamlet
|
Renovate
|
Our current maintenance garage is quite old and requires better heating and lighting as it is very difficult for our employees to work in the current building safely during the winter months. Also the current vehicles just fit in the parking space and there is little to no room to work around the vehicles. The tight space becomes a safety issue. We do not have lifting ability in our maintenance garage so the workers must lay on a very cold floor in the winter as the heaters can not produce enough heat. When the building is renovated there should be a plan to put heat system in the floor. GARAGE HAS BEEN REPAIRED IN 2021-22
|
|
Street Lights
|
Renovate
|
COMPLETED IN 2022. Our street lights are old and almost useless in a lot of the residential areas around our Hamlet, we require new energy efficient lights on all power poles and will have QEC instal them this coming summer.
|
|
Parking Garage - Hamlet
|
New
|
*New Six-Bay Parking Garage:
*Phase 1: The parking study was completed in 2023.
*Phase 2: The design study was completed in 2024.
As the community has grown, we have not adequately updated our parking garages to accommodate the equipment the Hamlet has acquired. Additionally, the vehicles we use are larger than in previous years. We are using tandem trucks instead of single-axle trucks, and garbage trucks have also increased in size to handle the higher volume of waste residents are discarding. The current garage, built in the 1970s, has surpassed its lifespan and is no longer sufficient.
To address these issues and prepare for future housing development, we need a six-bay garage that can accommodate all necessary vehicles. The current garage suffers from inadequate heating and insufficient space, leading to numerous safety concerns. The Public Works Services (PWS) cannot maintain proper warmth for their vehicles, resulting in them freezing in the cold garage. This situation negatively impacts service delivery, ultimately affecting the Hamlet.
As of October 21, 2025, the Hamlet is requesting funding for construction through the GN-CS program.
|
Schools/Daycare
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Playground - School
|
New
|
The previous community playground equipment was very old and had jagged, sharp edges, which posed a significant safety risk to children. In Fall 2024, the Hamlet researched and submitted a funding proposal to GN-CGS, and the funds were approved in April 2025. Now that the new playground is at maximum capacity, serving children from the community, there is a pressing need to expand it in 2026.
|
|
Day Care
|
Renovate
|
DAYCARE UPGRADE. The current daycare is situated in an old building that requires renovations. The waiting list has 24 children. The daycare needs to be improved with a preschool program and a playground. Renovations are essential to create more space and ensure the building meets safety standards. Planning and design are underway for fall/winter 2025/26. A funded proposal for the planning and design of a new daycare has been researched, submitted, and approved by the GN-Education Project Team, and the project is progressing as outlined in the proposal.
|
|
School
|
Renovate
|
The school has 120 registered students and limited space for programs and activities. As of Oct 21, 2025, it is now a GN - Capital Plan.
|
|
Day Care
|
New
|
We are currently in the planning and research phase for securing funding to construct a new daycare center. The first step involves finalizing our plans and conducting thorough research to identify potential funding sources for this project. We will use a Class D estimate to assess the overall costs, which will help us determine the appropriate amount of construction funds needed. This detailed analysis will ensure that we secure the necessary financial resources to successfully create a much-needed service in the community, providing children with a safe facility, as our current facility is not suitable for the youth.
|
Health
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Health Center
|
New
|
Build a new Health Centre. The existing Health Center is not adequate for the current population and not enough space for the visiting locum nurses, doctors, dentists and specialists. The building is too small and not big enough for all the equipment and necessary freight & storage items. As of Oct 21, 2025, it is now a GN - Capital Plan.
|
|
Morgue
|
Renovate
|
This fall, one of our top priorities in the Hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet is to explore and secure funding for a much-needed community morgue. Our current facility, unfortunately, is small and over capacity, limiting our ability to provide essential services. A new morgue will play a vital role in public health, the legal system, and support for families during difficult times. By ensuring a respectful, temperature-controlled environment for the deceased, we can better serve our community and honour those who have passed.
|
Solid Waste
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Waste Compactor
|
New
|
Solid waste compactor to extend the lifespan of the small capacity landfill. In funding research stage - Fall 2025 Panarctic is researching equipment and potential funding.
|
|
Fence - Landfill
|
New
|
Completed this past 2024 summer. Hamlet requires a new fence at our solid landfill location - currently garbage is blown all over the tundra due to inadequate and old broken down fencing.
|
|
Tire Shredder
|
New
|
The Hamlet has a large number of tyres in the landfill, which are bulky and occupying a significant area of the dump. Additionally, we have all the old water fill pipes in the dump that should have been recycled when the GN replaced the water fill line. These pipes could also be shredded to take up less space. Some of the new shredders can shred light metals from appliances, which would significantly reduce space in the landfill. As of Oct 21, 2025, this project is in the funding research stage, and Panarctic is researching equipment and potential funds.
|
Water/Wastewater
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Wastewater Treatment
|
Renovate
|
The sewage lagoons for the Hamlet are now completely full of solids and the solids are spilling over the berm into the wetlands. The Hamlet would like to conduct a study on the best way to remediate the lagoon problem
|
|
Equipment - Water/Wastewater
|
New
|
2025 NEW FLOATING DOCK is scheduled to be delivered to the community in early August 2025 and built on site with the Vendor and local staff.
Build of a new floating dock or source out and cost out a resin type of modular block docking systems that can be expanded on & taken apart easier at the end of the season
|
|
Water Treatment Plant
|
Renovate
|
The current water treatment plant is an injection only water plant. The intake pipe has severe rusting and needs to be replaced. The electrical system need to also be replaced due to issues between main power and generator. There is pre filtering of the water or a holding tank for contact time to happen. At this point it is probably cheaper to have a new plant built and replace the exiting water plant. The project was completed in fall of 2024, $ 500,000 funds approved by GN-CGS
|
Municipal Operations
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Crusher
|
New
|
ACQUIRE A NEW LARGER CRUSHER. The Community is at a standstill to move new infrastructure projects forward due to having no larger crusher to blast larger rocks. To solve the problem, the Hamlet needs to Acquire a new larger crusher as the Community does not own one nor is there one in the Community as of 2024. The Hamlet's smaller crusher is in poor operational shape and does not have the capacity to crush larger rock. The Hamlet needs a new larger Crusher to crust their projected 2025 blasted rock. The Hamlet completed in 2024- a comprehensive granular study plus a phase 2 of the study of sending granular out to test labs. As of Oct 21, 2025, $ 3 Million funds approved & new equipment set up, staff trained in operating and producing granular.
|
|
Equipment - Municipal
|
New
|
mobile garbage incinerator is required at our landfill. Our Hamlet has a very small landfill and we need to enhance our capacity to compact and/or burn
garbage to increase space and to preserve the shelf life of our landfill. With an incinerator we could reduce the amount of garbage along with the clear burning of waste.
|
|
Quarry - Gravel
|
New
|
In 2024, the Hamlet took the initiative to complete a new geotechnical municipal Quarry Plan, which included an assessment of the granular volume in a new quarry located within the community boundaries. The development of this quarry and gravel site, situated closer to the community than the depleted quarries, is currently underway. At present, there is less than one year’s worth of gravel remaining in the existing supply. Since the community is surrounded by bedrock, blasting is the only viable option for extraction.
Plans are in place to begin blasting in the summer of 2025, pending the securing of necessary funding. There is a clear need to establish the new quarry and gravel site, along with the blasting of bedrock near the Community Dump and within the Hamlet boundary. The initial phases of this project were completed in the fall of 2024, with funds allocated and both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the new Hamlet Quarry finishing successfully.
As of October 21, 2025, Hamlet is developing a quarry blasting plan for the summer of 2026. This plan will include completing the Engineering Blasting Plan, along with the necessary procurement and permits for the scheduled summer blasting.
|
|
Fire Equipment
|
New
|
The hamlet needs fire sirens in the community primarily because they are a reliable and effective system for alerting and summoning volunteer firefighters to the station during emergencies. Additionally, these sirens will help inform community members about any fires.
|
|
Computer Network
|
New
|
We are seeking to upgrade our audiovisual meeting equipment for the Chamber Council to enhance our effectiveness during discussions and presentations. This upgrade includes the acquisition of reliable, high-performance laptops that will facilitate seamless presentations and collaborative discussions among members. Additionally, we would like to install window blinds to improve privacy and control the lighting in the meeting room, creating a more comfortable and professional atmosphere for our gatherings. These enhancements will ensure that our meetings are more productive and enjoyable for all participants.
|
Commercial Facilities
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Hotel
|
New
|
Expand hotel/establish new hotel to allow for meetings and conferences to be held in the community
|
Marine
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Deep Sea Port
|
New
|
Still a great need. With the construction of the mine, and now the expansion of the mine the amount of shipping through Chesterfield Inlet to Baker lake has continually increased and it is causing an effect on the wildlife and sea mammals in the area and the amount of shipping is also causing concerns regarding an accident in the Inlet
All this shipping provided no benefit to the community, the construction of a deep sea port would provide a benefit to the community and also keep larger vessels out of the Inlet. This engineering design and project has been completed as of fall 2025.
|
|
Small Craft Harbour
|
New
|
Hamlet received funding for 2024/25 to build a new dock, which the current dock has ordered. The project is short $80,000, and Hamlet relies on obtaining approval from GN-Transportation for 2025/2026 funds. The old dock is unsafe; people have fallen while trying to reach the water, and the floating dock is damaged and needs replacing. We have welded patches on the floats so the dock would not sink. The saltwater has corroded the metal float beyond repair. We need a larger docking system that allows boats to dock even at low tide. Currently, the dock sits on the ground at low tide, preventing boats from docking. As of Oct 21, 2025, funding has been researched and secured, with completion expected in fall 2025. The need for expansion has been identified.
|
|
Deep Sea Port
|
New
|
Barge Landing Project. This project is based on the approved GN-Transportation funds, which will facilitate the construction of the Barge Landing. The groundwork is scheduled to be completed during the Summer and Fall of 2026. We will utilize equipment from the Hamlet and employ local trained staff to ensure that the project is executed efficiently and effectively. This initiative aims to enhance transport capabilities and support the community's logistical needs.
|
Sports and Recreation
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Swimming Pool
|
New
|
Indoor Swimming Pool. To provide recreational activities and teach survival skills
|
|
Arena
|
Renovate
|
Renovate and expand the arena to make it usable in summer. In progress. Planning retrofit schedule to be completed by 2027/2028. $12 Million approved by GN-FEDS funding & Project in planning stage for retrofit.
|
|
Baseball Diamond
|
New
|
The community of Chesterfield Inlet is taking steps to enhance local recreational opportunities by developing a new baseball diamond! These facilities are essential, fostering physical activity, mental well-being, and stronger social connections. Beyond being just a sports venue, the baseball diamond will become a vibrant gathering place, benefiting everyone—from children to seniors—by encouraging personal growth and collaboration among residents. I
|
Other
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Other
|
New
|
The community currently lacks a welcoming sign at the airport entrance. The Hamlet leadership plans to install a welcoming sign along with flag poles at the Hamlet office building, contingent on securing funding in 2024-2025-2026. Progress is underway with a funding request submitted to GN-ED&T. The research and funding proposal have been completed and are scheduled to be submitted to GN-ED&T by October 27, 2025. Canadrill is donating steel sign posts.
|
|
Other
|
Renovate
|
Redevelop St. Theresa's Hospital as an arts/heritage/culture centre/office facility
|
|
Other
|
New
|
Completed in 2024-2025 a New large Airport facility that will allow for higher traffic use
|
|
Other
|
New
|
Biology laboratory supporting the affects on the mining sector
|
|
Vehicles Elders
|
New
|
The Hamlet genuinely needs an accessibility van to assist individuals with mobility challenges in achieving greater independence and reliable transportation. This support is essential for attending important appointments, enjoying social events, working, and managing daily activities with greater ease and comfort.
These specially equipped vans feature ramps or lifts, securement systems, and spacious interiors, ensuring that both drivers and passengers with mobility restrictions can enter and travel safely and stress-free. By providing this resource, we can help alleviate some of the burdens on caregivers and empower community members to live more fulfilling lives.
|
Traditional Economy
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Traditional Foods Processing Facility
|
New
|
Commercial Fishery to establish fish processing plant to sustain economic development and infrastructure, and provide income to families/ employment, or training initiatives. There would be jobs in the plant and also payments for fish harvesting. As this Hamlet has a large fish quota it would be a viable business model. As of the fall of Oct 21, 2025, the Hamlet is in talks with the Rankin Fish Plant.
|
|
Traditional Foods Processing Facility
|
New
|
We are currently engaged in a project aimed at establishing a Traditional Foods Processing Facility, which is intended to enhance food security in our community. This facility will also incorporate a new energy-efficient freezer system to support sustainable operations. At this stage, our focus is on conducting thorough research and identifying potential funding sources to ensure the successful completion of this project by 2026. The initiative is designed not only to preserve and promote traditional food processing methods but also to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact.
|
Social Gathering Centers
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Youth Center
|
New
|
Establish a Youth Drop-in Centre and an Elders Facility to enable elders to pass on traditional knowledge to the younger generation. The Youth Drop-in Centre will be integrated with the Elders Facility, helping to keep older and younger generations connected and providing elders with opportunities to share their traditional knowledge. As of October 21, 2025, this project is in progress, currently in the planning and design stage. The Funding Proposal has been submitted to GN-Culture & Heritage, approved, and planning has begun with the team for fall/winter 2025/2026.
|
|
Community Hall
|
New
|
The Community Center is in urgent need of a detailed acoustic sound reduction plan and a high-quality soundproofing system. These enhancements aim to significantly improve the overall sound quality within the building, creating a more enjoyable and comfortable environment for all visitors and participants. By addressing excessive noise levels and echo, we can foster better communication and more vibrant activities throughout the center.
|
Roads
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Land Access Road
|
New
|
Build road to Josephine lake. Josephine lake is the main arctic char fishing spot in the fall, fisherman catch fish and bring to fish processing plant in exchange for income. having a road in that direction would help with search and rescue missions as there is a high traffic coming or going to Rankin inlet all year.
|
|
Roads - Territorial
|
New
|
Build road from Chesterfield Inlet to Rankin Inlet
|
Adult Education
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Adult Learning Center
|
New
|
The current adult learning center is small and can only run one program at a time which drastically reduces the amount of training that can be done in the community at one time
|
|
Adult Learning Center
|
New
|
Hamlet needs to develop a Training Program for Heavy Equipment Operators that includes classroom instruction, extensive hands-on practice, and safety protocols.
|
Power
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Alternative Sources
|
New
|
Establish power transmission from Manitoba, current power is costly and produces high levels of greenhouse gases
|
Municipal Vehicles
|
Asset
|
Action Required
|
Problem Summary
|
|
Roller
|
Renovate
|
The hamlet requires new equipment for operations, including a backhoe and a roller compactor for the barge landing project.
|
