Pangnirtung's small craft harbour opens

The long-awaited small craft harbourinPangnirtung, Nunavut officially opened today.

The federal government spent $40.5million onthe project.

Nunavut's MPLeonaAglukkaqand Federal Fisheries minister Gail Sheatravelled to the hamletfor the opening.

"There was a great crowd on hand; it was a beautiful day in Pangnirtung and some very excited and some very happy people in Pang," said Shea.

It's the first small craft harbour in Nunavut. It includesa fixed wharf, breakwater and marshalling area.There is also a sea lift ramp and a dredged channel and basin.

Now larger vessels can dock inPangnirtung, which meansit'll be faster to off-load catches.

"Most of the fish across the country is landed at small craft harbours so it's a vital part of the infrastructure to grow that part of the economy," said Shea.

The harbour will also provideprotection from the extreme wind and tides.

Construction on the harbour started in 2009.Elder Peterloosie Qappiksaid it's been more than 30 yearsof hard work by the communityto get the harbour.

"We used to have to manoeuvre in the dark and low tides. Not anymore. This will be beneficial for hunters, the fishing industry, tourism and overall as long as we can maintain it, it is definitely worth it," said Qappik.

The community's mayor saidit's taken a while,but it was worth the wait.

"It will be good especially for our hunters, the fishermen, people who go out and get food for us. They've been wanting this for so long. We worked together to make this happen. We are very happy about today," saidMayorSakiasieSowdluapik.