Infrastructure in the Canadian Arctic is being affected by climate change impacts such as permafrost thaw, coastal erosion, and changing temperatures and precipitation patterns. With this in mind, the Standards Council of Canada established the Northern Infrastructure Standardization Initiative
Settled at the bottom of a mountain, at the mouth of a river and surrounded by spectacular fiords, Pangnirtung is located on Baffin Island, in Cumberland Sound. Known to outdoor enthusiasts as the gateway to the famous Auyuittuq National Park, the town is home to just under 1,500 people.
Pangnirtung is famed for its art and one of the great attractions is the Uqqurmiut Inuit Arts Centre. The centre’s Artist Association hosts print and weave shops, which create beautiful woven tapestries and prints. The acclaimed “Pang” hats, colourfully patterned crocheted toques made by local craftspeople, can also be purchased at the Centre’s gift shop.
Pangnirtung Fisheries contributes to the community’s economy through the harvesting and processing of arctic char and Baffin turbot (Greenland halibut). Employees at the newly-modernized processing plant prepare the daily catch of fish for shipment to international locations.