Frequently Asked Questions

Why was this location chosen for the Steensby Railway?

The location of the Steensby Railway has been extensively studied and developed by Baffinland based on the substantial input and advice provided by Inuit, Inuit organizations, communities, and territorial and governmental representatives. The location for the Steensby Railway was selected by Baffinland following a detailed evaluation of a number of alternative locations, and following extensive public engagement. It is the most suitable location because it:

  1. provides the most direct route to a suitable Port location, reducing the overall footprint of the Project
  2. minimizes the potential impact and disruption of local geography, wildlife and Inuit land uses,
  3. addresses the interests and concerns of the local communities, Inuit, Inuit Organizations, community organizations, and other localities, and
  4. has suitable physical conditions that can support safe and efficient railway operations.

When did you begin informing the communities about your intentions to develop the Steensby Railway?

The Mary River Project has been the subject of extensive and continuous engagement spanning more than 18 years. Engagement with communities began in 2006 as Project planning, design and preparation of the Mary River Environmental Impact Statement started. The subsequent Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) review process included numerous public hearings and other engagement opportunities, where groups such as federal, territorial and local government representatives, Inuit Organizations, community representatives, Elders, Youth and members of the public, were able to share their perspectives and engage in meaningful discussions around the potential effects of the Steensby Railway and proposed environmental mitigation and monitoring measures.

Baffinland has continued to communicate its plans to develop the Steensby Railway since it was approved in 2012. In recent years, Baffinland has provided communities with updates relating to the Steensby Railway and Port, and will continue to engage as these key infrastructure projects proceed to construction and operation (once the remaining activity specific authorizations are obtained, financing is secured, and Baffinland’s Board makes a construction decision).

What approvals are needed for the Steensby Railway to proceed?

The Mary River Project, including the Steensby Railway, was approved following environmental assessment by the NIRB, resulting in Project Certificate 005 issued in 2012. The Project Certificate has been subject to 5 amendments to date and includes over 189 terms and conditions designed to mitigate and monitor the potential environmental effects identified through the public review process, many of which apply directly and indirectly to the Steensby Railway.Baffinland also entered into the Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement (IIBA) and Commercial Lease with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association in 2013.

Key government approvals to proceed with the Steensby Railway have already been issued by federal authorities, including Project Certificate No. 005 (2012), Amendment No. 1 to the North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan (2024), the Type A Water Licence (2013), and an Order In Council issue by the Governor in Council (2013).  A few remaining activity-specific authorizations are required before proceeding with the construction of the Steensby Railway, including  Approval to Construct a Railway from the Canadian Transportation Agency and Authorizations under the Fisheries Act from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The construction of the Steensby Railway also remains subject to financing and a final positive construction decision from Baffinland.

When will construction of the Steensby Railway start?

The construction start date depends on the timing of receiving the activity-specific regulatory approvals, including the Approval to Construct a Railway from the Canadian Transportation Agency, and receiving financing for the Project. The current estimated earliest date for construction start is Q3 2025. Construction of the Steensby Railway will not start until all required activity specific authorizations have been received.

What mitigation measures are being implemented to reduce impacts to caribou (and other wildlife)?

Baffinland has incorporated caribou crossings and other caribou protection measures into the design of the Steensby Railway. The locations of those crossings have been determined in consultation with Inuit and will again be verified before they are constructed. The locations and/or number of caribou crossings will also be adjusted, if required, based on ongoing engagement with the North Baffin Localities and the QIA through the life of the Mary River Project. In January 2014 Baffinland and the QIA jointly released the Mary River Caribou Protection Measures, which have since been fully integrated into the Project’ Terrestrial Environment Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (established in accordance with the Project Certificate). The Mary River Caribou Protection Measures have promoted the development of detailed caribou mapping in the North Baffin region and the identification of Project specific protection zones, which may be subject to additional targeted mitigation measures.  The Steensby Railway will be subject to specific decision frameworks that ensure certain activities like blasting, low level helicopter flights, and use of the railway for construction purposes will be suspended when caribou are within a given setback.

What mitigation measures are being implemented to reduce impacts from dust emissions?

Baffinland will extend its extensive dust management system to the Steensby Railway and has also developed several additional specific dust mitigation measures specific to the Steensby Railway. Examples of these specific dust mitigation measures include:

  • Enclosure of all crushing activities at the Mine Site adjacent to the Steensby Railway loading facilities
  • Use of covers and chutes to control dust at ore transfer points at the Mine Site and Steensby Port
  • Continued use of additional dust controls at ore stockpiles, including the application of dust suppressants or other covering alternatives
  • Transport of ore by rail avoids dust generation caused by the contact between truck tires and road material as has been experienced along the Tote Road

These dust management mitigation measures have been developed over time through lessons learned and based on input provided by localities through an independent Dust Audit Committee, composed of Inuit representatives from all 5 North Baffin localities.

How can I contact Bafflinland to ask further questions regarding the Steensby Railway?

For general inquires, send an email to Contact@baffinland.com. For a full list of our office addresses and telephone numbers, click here.