In 2005, the airport serving the village of Arctic Bay was situated in Nanisivik, which is approximately a 60 minute drive (32 km in a mountainous area) from the community. The Government of Nunavut decided to open a new site closer to the village (5 km). This project involved the stripping of existing organic soil, the excavation of more than 250 000 m³ of permafrost for the construction of the new runway, taxiway, apron, car parking and access road. Water drainage was accomplished by ditching of 1.7 km fully covered by rip-rap. 

The foundations of this project required crushing, screening and placement of more than 85 000 m³ of new aggregate. A safe planning and coordination of the operations were required to implement this important construction project with airport operations. 

The electrical work included the installation of a new edge lighting system along the new runway, taxiway and apron. To meet the requirements of NAV Canada, PAPI lights, REIL lights, wind cone, aerodrome beacon, a field electrical centre and all equipment related were installed.