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
Qikiqtarjuaq, formerly known as Broughton Island, is located just off the east coast of Baffin Island 97 km north of Arctic Circle. Although the island is referred to as “the big island” as its Inuktitut name suggests, the island is in fact only 12 km wide by 16 km long.
One of the more traditional communities in Nunavut, Qikiqtarjuaq (pop. 561) is known for its Inuit and modern clothing, including sealskin parkas and kamiit (boots). Abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery attract visitors to Qikiqtarjuaq. The northern trailhead of the world renowned Auyuittuq National Park can be accessed via Qikiqtarjuaq. Qikiqtarjuaq is also known as the “Iceberg and Diving Capital of Nunavut.”