For more than nine years, Rene Aggark has been making a monthly journey out of Nunavut to seek medical care for his daughter. Traveling from his residence in Arviat, he then proceeds to Rankin Inlet and further south to Winnipeg, where his daughter Saittuq receives treatment for her physical disability.
The travel typically spans a full day, with a layover in Rankin Inlet that often involves hours of waiting. Unlike Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet lacks a medical boarding facility for individuals traveling for healthcare, leaving many stranded at the airport.
Aggark expressed the challenges of waiting at the terminal, describing it as mentally and physically exhausting due to the lack of suitable accommodations. The airport in Rankin Inlet offers a small waiting area with limited and uncomfortable seating arrangements and food choices that do not meet Saittuq’s preferences.
The prospect of a new airport terminal in Rankin Inlet brings hope to the community. The upcoming terminal, expected to be 40,000 square feet in size, triple the current capacity, will feature expanded seating and dining options, as confirmed by Darrin Nichol, director of the Nunavut Airports Division.
Heather Grant from the government of Nunavut’s transportation and infrastructure division mentioned that the new terminal will accommodate 200 people and is slated for completion this year as part of a two-phase project. Despite the delays that pushed the original opening date from 2023, Aggark remains optimistic that the enhanced facilities will improve the waiting experience.
Anticipating the new terminal eagerly, Aggark expressed a desire for more comfortable amenities, especially for elderly travelers. However, he also emphasized the need for a medical boarding home in Rankin Inlet to offer a more comfortable stay for his daughter during their trips to Winnipeg.