Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure

Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report

03 May 2017

4321 Still Creek Drive Burnaby BC V5C 6S7 Canada

Document No.: 307071-01148-01-EN-REP-0002

www.advisian.com

Government of Nunavut Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report

Table of Contents

Abbreviations ...... vii

1 Introduction...... 1

1.1 Project Overview ...... 1

1.2 Study Overview and Area...... 3

1.2.1 Field Programs ...... 3

1.3 Environmental Setting ...... 4

1.3.1 Ecozone and Ecoregion...... 4

1.3.2 Protected Areas ...... 4

2 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit...... 7

2.1 Program Objectives ...... 7

2.2 Methods ...... 7

3 Physical Setting ...... 11

3.1 Program Objectives ...... 11

3.2 Desktop Study and Literature Review ...... 11

3.3 Fieldwork Methods ...... 11

3.4 Results and Discussion ...... 11

3.4.1 Geology ...... 11

3.4.2 Landforms ...... 12

3.4.3 Permafrost ...... 12

3.4.4 Soils ...... 13

4 Vegetation ...... 14

4.1 Program Objectives ...... 14

4.2 Desktop Study and Literature Review ...... 14

4.3 Inuit Qaujimajatugangit ...... 14

4.4 Fieldwork Methods ...... 15

4.4.1 Field Survey Area ...... 15

4.4.2 Data Collection ...... 15

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4.5 Results ...... 18

4.5.1 Desktop Study and Literature Review ...... 18

4.5.2 Fieldwork Results ...... 18

4.5.3 Inuit Qaujimajatugangit ...... 23

4.6 Discussion ...... 25

5 Terrestrial Wildlife ...... 26

5.1 Program Objectives ...... 26

5.2 Desktop Study and Literature Review ...... 26

5.2.1 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit ...... 27

5.3 Fieldwork Methods ...... 27

5.4 Results ...... 27

5.4.1 Small Mammals (Rodents and Lagomorphs) ...... 30

5.4.2 Medium Mammals (Canids and Mustelids) ...... 30

5.4.3 Large Mammals (Barren-Ground Caribou and Polar Bears) ...... 30

5.4.4 Designated Units – Polar Bear Maternal Denning ...... 31

5.4.5 Wildlife Areas of Special Interest ...... 31

5.4.6 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit ...... 36

5.4.7 Habitat Value...... 37

5.5 Discussion ...... 37

5.5.1 Small Mammals ...... 37

5.5.2 Medium Mammals ...... 38

5.5.3 Large Mammals ...... 39

6 Migratory and Marine Birds ...... 40

6.1 Program Objectives ...... 40

6.2 Desktop Study and Literature Review ...... 40

6.2.1 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit ...... 41

6.3 Fieldwork Methods ...... 41

6.4 Results ...... 41

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6.4.1 Important Bird Areas and Key Bird and Habitat Sites ...... 41

6.4.2 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBS) ...... 43

6.4.3 Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas ...... 43

6.4.4 Marine Protected Areas and National Marine Conservation Areas ...... 44

6.4.5 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit ...... 44

6.4.6 Habitat Value...... 48

6.4.7 Migratory and Marine Birds ...... 49

6.5 Discussion ...... 60

6.5.1 Migratory Birds ...... 60

6.5.2 Marine Birds ...... 60

6.5.3 Species at Risk ...... 60

7 Archaeology ...... 62

7.1 Program Objectives ...... 62

7.2 Desktop Study and Literature Review ...... 62

7.2.1 Traditional Knowledge ...... 62

7.2.2 Study Area ...... 62

7.3 Results ...... 62

7.4 Fieldwork Methods ...... 63

7.4.1 Palaeontology ...... 63

7.5 Discussion ...... 63

8 Socio-Economic ...... 64

8.1 Program Objectives ...... 64

8.2 Study Sources ...... 64

8.3 Results: Socio-Economic Profile ...... 65

8.3.1 Demographics ...... 65

8.3.2 Housing and Accommodation ...... 66

8.3.3 Labour Force and Economic Activity ...... 66

8.3.4 Community Infrastructure and Services ...... 68

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8.3.5 Land and Resource Use ...... 71

9 References ...... 74

Figure List

Figure 1-1 Pond Inlet Port Development Location and Site Plan ...... 2

Figure 1-2 Protected Areas ...... 6

Figure 2-1 Land Use and Occupancy ...... 10

Figure 4-1 Vegetation Field Survey Area ...... 17

Figure 4-2 Vegetation Communities within the Field Survey Area ...... 20

Figure 5-1 Harvested Caribou Locations (1998-2001)...... 32

Figure 5-2 Harvested Polar Bear Locations (1998-2001) ...... 33

Figure 5-3 Polar Bear Denning Units ...... 34

Figure 5-4 Wildlife Areas of Special Interest ...... 35

Figure 6-1 Harvested Eider Locations (1998-2001) ...... 47

Figure 6-2 Migratory and Marine Birds and Features Observed or Detected During the Wildlife Field Reconnaissance Survey ...... 59

Table List

Table 1-1 Summary of Field Programs Conducted to Support Baseline Studies ...... 3

Table 4-1 Traditionally-used Vegetation Species ...... 24

Table 5-1 Terrestrial Wildlife that have Potential to Inhabit in the Field Survey Area ...... 29

Table 5-2 List of Species Harvested by Hunters from the Hamlet and their Mean Number Harvested Per Year ...... 36

Table 6-1 List of Species Harvested by Hunters from the Pond Inlet and their Mean Number Harvested Per Year (1996-2001; Source: Priest and Usher 2004) ...... 46

Table 6-2 List of Birds Confirmed to Breed on Bylot Island and Adjacent Baffin Island and their Likelihood to Breed in the Field Survey Area ...... 51

Table 6-3 List of Marine Birds with their preferred foraging strategy and habitat with Potential to Occupy (based on season use) Marine Habitats near the Study Area...... 55

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Table 8-1 Pond Inlet Demographics ...... 67

Table 8-2 Total Labour Force by Industry ...... 68

Table 8-3 Master Nunavut Cruise Ship Itinerary for Pond Inlet 2016 ...... 73

Photo List

Photo 2-1 IQ Workshop in Pond Inlet, March 2017 ...... 8

Photo 4-1 Upland Dwarf Shrub Vegetation Community facing Northeast from PI-16-GD02 ...... 19

Photo 4-2 Wetland Graminoid Drainage Vegetation Community facing East from IQ-16-GD03 ...... 21

Photo 4-3 Wetland Ravine Vegetation Community facing Northeast from PI-16-GD01 ...... 22

Photo 6-1 Top: Rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus) observed under building pilings adjacent to the beach near the Study Area; Bottom: American pipit (Anthus rubsescens) foraging along the beach near Study Area ...... 57

Photo 6-2 Top: Whitewash on prominent boulders within the Field Survey Area indicating potential perching sites; Bottom: cast pellet observed near the Field Survey Area ...... 58

Appendix List

Appendix 1 Vegetation Species List

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Abbreviations

Term Definition

AIA Archaeology Impact Assessment

AOA Archaeological Overview Assessment

CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

COP Convention on Biological Diversity

COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

CWS Canadian Wildlife Service

DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada

EBSA Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area

ECCC Environment and Climate Change Canada

EDT (Department of) Economic Development and Transportation

ELC Ecological Land Classification Survey

ESWG Ecological Stratification Working Group

GN Government of Nunavut

GPS Global Positioning System

HTO Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization

IBA Important Bird Areas

IHT Inuit Heritage Trust

INAC Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

IQ Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit

MBS Migratory Bird Sanctuary

MPA Marine Protected Areas

NA Nunavut Land Claims Agreement

NEAS Nunavut Eastern Arctic Shipping Inc.

NBRLUP North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan

NIRB Nunavut Impact Review Board

NLUP Nunavut Land Use Plan

NPC Nunavut Planning Commission

NSSI Nunavut Sealink & Supply

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Term Definition

NWHS Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study

NWMB Nunavut Wildlife Management Board

QIA Qikiatani Inuit Association

RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police

SAO Senior Administrative Officer

SARA Species at Risk Act

SCH Small Craft Harbour

The Hamlet The Hamlet of Pond Inlet

The Project Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Project

UDS Upland Dwarf Shrub

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

WGD Wetland Graminoid Drainage

WR Wetland Ravine

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1 Introduction

The Government of Nunavut (GN), through the Department of Economic Development and Transportation (EDT) intends to construct a new small craft harbour in the Pond Inlet (the Project). The proposed Project is located along the shoreline of the Hamlet of Pond Inlet (the Hamlet) on the south coast of Eclipse Sound and across from Bylot Island (77.98166667°, -72.6969444°) (Figure 1-1). The Project seeks to improve the existing boat ramp and the overall safety of marine activities in the community by providing a protected harbour and segregating small craft activities from sealift operations. Construction is anticipated to be completed within two years from summer 2018, to fall 2019. During the construction, the Project will use the existing scheduled sealift deliveries and existing scheduled flights, with the potential use of charter flights. Fuel, potable water, sanitary and solid waste requirements are anticipated to be provided by existing facilities operated by the Hamlet and the GN.

1.1 Project Overview Construction of the Project includes the following:

. Permanent components: New breakwaters, a fixed small craft wharf, a boat launch ramp, small craft floating docks, a sealift landing ramp, and a laydown area used for sealift storage, boat storage, and parking. . Supporting components: Development of a quarry to source fill material and potentially a new quarry access road. The development of a protected small craft harbour (SCH) has been studied since the 1990s, with more than ten layout options considered, and community input solicited and used in refining project design. The current location is the most favourable site because it is the only area that has marine access adjacent to the community. Advisian (WorleyParsons Group) was retained by the GN to complete environmental baseline studies for the Project to support a Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NA) Article 12, Part 4 Screening by the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) and environmental permitting by regulatory agencies.

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Greenland Site Location 72°42'30"N 8070000

Pond Inlet Baffin Island 8069500 72°42'0"N 8069000 8068500 72°41'30"N 8068000 8067500 72°41'0"N 8067000 8066500 72°40'30"N USER NAME: yao.mo NAME: USER OFFICE: BURNABY GIS ISSUING

78°2'0"W 78°1'30"W 78°1'0"W 78°0'30"W 78°0'0"W 77°59'30"W 77°59'0"W 77°58'30"W 77°58'0"W 77°57'30"W 77°57'0"W 77°56'30"W 77°56'0"W 77°55'30"W 77°55'0"W 77°54'30"W 77°54'0"W 77°53'30"W 77°53'0"W 77°52'30"W 77°52'0"W 77°51'30"W 77°51'0"W 77°50'30"W 77°50'0"W 77°49'30"W 77°49'0"W 77°48'30"W 77°48'0"W

B SHEET CUSTOMER: Legend 0 200 400 800 SCH Study Area Metres ± DATE: 05/05/2017 POND INLET MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE DRAWN: YM Gravel Road BASELINE REPORT EDITED: KR Stream/Creek POND INLET PORT DEVELOPMENT APPROVED: MM LOCATION AND SITE PLAN Note: Field Survey Area/Quarry Study Area "This drawing is prepared for the use of our customer as WORLEYPARSONS PROJECT No: FIG No: REV - Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 18N specified in the accompanying report. WorleyParsons Canada Ltd. - Basedata from Government of Nunavut, 2016 assumes no liability to any other party for any representations 307071-01148 1-1 0 contained in this drawing." PLOT DATE & TIME: 05/05/2017 & PMTIME: 2:41:10 DATE PLOT 05/05/2017 & PMTIME: 2:41:10 DATE SAVE FILE LOCATION: U:\YVR\307071\01148_GON_NVMarInfra\10_Eng\16_Geomatics\01_Mxd\Baseline_Report\PI_Terrestrial_Baseline\2017-04-28_PI_Project_Overview_Rev0.mxd LOCATION: FILE Service Layer Credits: Content may not reflect National Geographic's current map policy. Sources: National Geographic, Esri, DeLorme, HERE, UNEP-WCMC, USGS, NASA, ESA, METI, NRCAN, GEBCO, NOAA, increment P Corp. Government of Nunavut Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report

1.2 Study Overview and Area This report was undertaken to support Project planning as well as Project permitting and approval requirements. The objective was to describe baseline conditions within the Study Areas with a focus on the terrestrial and human components of the Project through desktop and field studies. Detailed engineering designs were not available at the time of this baseline report, thus Study Areas for the SCH and Quarry have been defined to encompass the maximum footprint of the proposed construction activities. Vegetation field studies focused on the proposed quarry area, plus a 100 m buffer (Quarry Study Area) which for the purposes of this baseline report is referred to as the Field Survey Area (Figure 1-1). Marine birds are included within the Terrestrial Baseline Study because they nest (a critical life phase) in terrestrial environments and most are also Migratory Birds. In this report, seven components are addressed:

1. Inuit Qaujamajatuqangit (Inuit Knowledge or [IQ]) 2. Physical Setting 3. Vegetation, including Species at Risk 4. Terrestrial Wildlife, including Species at Risk 5. Migratory and Marine Birds, including Species at Risk 6. Archaeology 7. Socio-economic

1.2.1 Field Programs Field programs and consultation were conducted in September and November 2016 to support the Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Assessment. Table 1-1 provides a summary of those programs. Further details on field methods and results are presented within applicable chapters in this report.

Table 1-1 Summary of Field Programs Conducted to Support Baseline Studies

Date Discipline Details

September 16, 2016 Meeting with Mittimatalik Hunter and Trappers Organization November 24, 2016 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit about the Project design; Interview with Elders; November 25, 2016 IQ focused workshop March 1, 2017

September 14-16, 2016 Soils Soils information collected as part of geotechnical field studies

September 16-18, 2016 Vegetation Ecological Land Classification and Rare Plant Surveys

Wildlife habitat assessment and reconnaissance survey September 16-18, 2016 Wildlife completed in conjunction with vegetation surveys

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The following permits were obtained for the Baseline Field Programs listed in Table 1-1:

. Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC) (File number 148306) – case was referred to the NIRB. . NIRB (File number 16YN046) – Screening Decision Report to proceed was issued. . Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Licence to Fish for Scientific Purposes (File number S-16/17-1042-NU). . Nunavut Research Institute – Scientific Research Licence # 0204716N-M.

1.3 Environmental Setting

1.3.1 Ecozone and Ecoregion The Hamlet is located within the Northern Arctic Ecozone, and is in one of the coldest and driest landscapes in Canada (Ecological Stratification Working Group, ESWG, 1995). Snow falls in all months of the year, and persists on the ground for at least ten months (September to June). The landscape is composed predominantly of exposed bedrock with discontinuous moraines and marine deposits of variable thickness. Water bodies generally are frozen, and ice lasts through most of the year. In the south of the ecozone, where the Hamlet is located, open water is more common in the summer. Permafrost is continuous and soils are generally Cryosols (ESWG, 1995). The cold, dry climate, high winds, and lack of soil create conditions unsuitable for most vegetation except for sparse and dwarf plants. This Ecozone is a major breeding ground for migratory and marine birds including snow geese (Chen caerulescens), brant (Branta bernicla), Canada geese (B. canadensis), eider (Somateria spp.) and long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis). Mammals in this Ecozone include barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus), Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos), Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus), polar bear (Ursus maritimus), Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus) and brown and Pear Land collared lemmings (Lemmus trimucronatus and Dicrostonyx groenlandicus). The Hamlet is in the Barden Peninsula Plateau ecoregion (ESWG, 1995). Mean annual temperature is -13oC with summer mean of 1oC and winter mean of -25oC. Mean annual precipitation ranges from 100 mm to 200 mm. Vegetation is sparse and communities primarily consist of moss and mixed low herbs and shrubs. Commonly encountered species include purple saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia), Arctic willow (Salix arctica), kobresia (Kobresia spp.), sedges (Carex spp.), and Arctic poppy (Papaver radicatum).

1.3.2 Protected Areas Conservation and protected areas are an important component of The North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan (NPC, 2000) to ensure the protection of ecological, cultural, archaeological resources. No protected areas were identified within the Study Areas, however a number occur in the vicinity of the Hamlet (NPC, 2000). The Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary (MBS) was created in 1965 to protect and conserve migratory birds and their nesting habitat (ECCC, 2016e), and is located north of the Hamlet, outside the Study Area and approximately 23 km north (Figure 1-2). Bylot Island plus a 3.2 km buffer in marine waters are protected as part of the MBS. Important nesting habitat, such as on Cape Hay and Cape Graham Moore, where steep cliffs provide habitat for seabirds, is used by 10% of the Canadian population of thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia) and 25% of the Canadian population of black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla). In addition, habitat for songbirds, waders, and waterfowl (e.g. 15% of entire population of greater snow geese) is found on the Island. In total, 71 species have occurrences here with 35 breeding species and six permanent residents. A re- occurring polynya (Bylot Island Polynya), located east of Eclipse sound provides valuable foraging habitat for

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tens of thousands of seabirds. Most of the terrestrial portion of the MBS has been included within the Sirmilik National Park which was established in 2001. Sirmilik National Park protects 22,252 km2 of geological, natural history, and cultural values within the Eastern Arctic Lowlands and North Davis Natural Regions (Parks Canada, 2016). The park is divided into four parcels: Bylot Island, Borden Peninsula, Baillarge Bay, and Oliver Sound. With respect to wildlife, Sirmilik hosts the most diverse avian community in the high Arctic with more than 74 species of birds, of which 45 are confirmed breeders. Bylot Island in particular has up to 320,000 thick-billed murres and 50,000 black-legged kittiwakes. In addition to its avian diversity, 19 mammal species inhabit Bylot Island, of which, nine are terrestrial (Université of Laval, 2016). Tamaarvik Territorial Park (campground) is located 15 km from the Hamlet and supports tourism development, hiking, and backpacking (Nunavut Parks, 2017).

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Lancaster Sound 74°0'0"N

Baffin Bay 8200000

Sirmilik National Park Bylot Island Navy Board Bird Sanctuary Inlet 73°0'0"N 8100000

Eclipse Sound

Site Location Pond Inlet Tamaarvik Territorial Park 8000000 72°0'0"N USER NAME: yao.mo NAME: USER OFFICE: BURNABY GIS ISSUING

86°0'0"W 85°0'0"W 84°0'0"W 83°0'0"W 82°0'0"W 81°0'0"W 80°0'0"W 79°0'0"W 78°0'0"W 77°0'0"W 76°0'0"W 75°0'0"W 74°0'0"W 73°0'0"W 72°0'0"W 71°0'0"W 70°0'0"W

B SHEET SCALE:1:1,500,000 CUSTOMER: 0 15 30 60 Kilometres ± DATE: 03/05/2017 DRAWN: Y.M. POND INLET MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE EDITED: Y.M. BASELINE REPORT PROTECTED AREAS APPROVED: M.M. Note: "This drawing is prepared for the use of our customer as WORLEYPARSONS PROJECT No: FIG No: REV Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 18N specified in the accompanying report. WorleyParsons Canada Ltd. assumes no liability to any other party for any representations 307071-01148 1-2 0 contained in this drawing." PLOT DATE & TIME: 28/04/2017 8:02:45 AM 28/04/2017 & TIME: 8:02:45 DATE PLOT AM 28/04/2017 & TIME: 8:02:45 DATE SAVE FILE LOCATION: U:\YVR\307071\01148_GON_NVMarInfra\10_Eng\16_Geomatics\01_Mxd\Baseline_Report\PI_Terrestrial_Baseline\2017-04-28_PI_Protected_Areas_Rev0.mxd LOCATION: FILE Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Government of Nunavut Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report

2 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit

2.1 Program Objectives The objectives of the IQ baseline study are to obtain local Inuit knowledge of marine habitat, wildlife, land use, year-round access for harvesting, and areas of cultural value in and around the proposed Project to support Project decision-making and the environmental-screening process.

2.2 Methods IQ has been gathered during:

. Two design workshops in the fall of 2016 with members of the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO). . One elder interview and map biography exercise in November 2016. . One IQ focused workshop with five active Inuit land users in March 2017. The first workshop in September 2016 concentrated on gaining an understanding from HTO members of the current conditions for accessing water and ice in Pond Inlet and the specific needs for a small craft harbour. With the aid of an interpreter and maps/concept drawings, an open dialogue between HTO members and the consultation team occurred during this meeting, allowing feedback and local knowledge from the most active users of the small craft harbour to be obtained. IQ information was noted and marked on maps during discussions by our Indigenous knowledge facilitator on topics such as: wind direction and strength, currents, seasonal changes to ice, water and ice access, and current boat traffic and ramp use. The second design workshop, conducted in November 2016, presented concept designs that had been developed using the IQ information and feedback provided in the first workshop. With the aid of an interpreter, the workshop allowed HTO members to see how their input had been directly considered in the design of the concept options and provide their feedback on a preferred option. IQ and social information were noted during discussions by our Indigenous knowledge facilitator on topics such as: changes to ice once the harbour is built, seasonal access for hunters during construction, project schedule, and fishing areas. An elder IQ interview was also conducted in November 2016. The elder interviewed, Matthias Kaunak, was recognized by HTO members as being especially knowledgeable about fish, marine mammals, seasonal access, and travel routes and is a current and active land user. With the help of an interpreter, the participant was asked to read a project information sheet and consent form and then complete and sign the form. The consent form described the study’s objectives, methods, and uses for the information, allowed the participant to specify where a copy of the transcript and map should be sent, and whether the participant wished to be acknowledged by name for his/her contribution. With the aid of an interpreter and using a questionnaire as a checklist for guidance only, a semi-structured interview was conducted allowing flexibility for the manner in which the participant relayed information. For example, some individuals provide information by recalling an event or telling a story as opposed to making a generalization based on several observations. The interview was recorded and later transcribed. Harvesting and use locations were marked on a map and later digitized. For the IQ focused workshop, the Project hired Ikaarvik Youth group, the local research team in the Hamlet whose aim is to match southern researchers with the community and their needs.

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With facilitation support from Ikaarvik Youth members and the use of an interpreter, an IQ focused workshop was conducted on March 1, 2017 with five currently active Inuit land users (Neevee Aksarjuk, Elijah Panipakoochoo, Sheattie Tagak, Jimmy Pitseolak, and Tina Enookolo) (Photo 2-1). The group consisted of two male elder hunters, one female elder, and two younger hunters (one female, one male). The participants were selected by community members (Ikaarvik Youth group and HTO) for being especially knowledgeable of harvesting areas in and around Pond Inlet and for being currently quite active out on the land and water. In an effort to better understand the potential interactions between harvesting rights and Project activities, discussions during the workshop focused on harvest locations, water and ice access, fishing, marine and land mammals, and the potential location of the SCH in relation to land use activities (e.g. fishing, hunting, gathering and camping). As with the elder interview conducted in November 2016, consent forms were signed, maps and drawings were marked and later digitized, and a checklist was used for guidance only so that information was allowed to flow in a manner that was natural for the participants and not restricted or bound to any strict process.

Photo 2-1 IQ Workshop in Pond Inlet, March 2017

A review for existing and accessible ethnohistorical/traditional land use research relating directly to the Project area was also undertaken. The project team reviewed a series of maps and transcripts produced during interviews with elders in the Hamlet as part of Baffinland’s extensive Mary River Inuit Knowledge Study (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2012b) undertaken from 2006 through 2008. The knowledge documented in the Baffinland Study and obtained from our workshops and interviews has been invaluable to the Project team’s understanding of the area from an IQ perspective. Additionally, a thorough review of both the draft

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Nunavut Land Use Plan (NLUP) (NPC, 2016a) and the North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan (NBRLUP) (NPC, 2000) by the environmental team provided valuable context to the baseline study and a greater understanding of the community’s priorities, values, and concerns. The Project team would like to thank the participants of the Hamlet for allowing their knowledge to be shared with the Project. The following resources were also reviewed:

. The Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study (NWHS) (Priest and Usher, 2004). . Nunavut Wildlife Resources and Habitat Values (Nunami Stantec, 2012). . Inuit Heritage Trust (IHT): Place Names Program. . Inuit Knowledge Mapping and Podcast Project (Inuit Knowledge Podcast, 2017). . Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (NPC, 2016a). . North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan (NPC, 2000). . Evolution of subsistence and commercial Inuit fisheries in the Territory of Nunavut: Canada: Research and summation of landings, quotas, gear type, significance, use and status of hunted marine species (Hurubise, 2016). . Tallurutiup Tariunga Inulik: Inuit Participation in Determining the Future of Lancaster Sound (Qikiatani Inuit Association [QIA, 2012]). . Narwhal hunting by Pond Inlet Inuit: An analysis of foraging mode in the floe-edge environment (Lee and Wenzel, 2004). . Nunavut Fisheries Strategy (Government of Nunavut & Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, 2005). . Nunavut Arctic College Inuit Knowledge Oral History Book series: Interviewing Inuit Elders. . Nunavut Research Institute: Compendiums of Research (Nunavut Research Institute, 2015). . Medicinal Plants Used by the Inuit of Qikiqtaaluk (Baffin Island, Nunavut) (Black et al., 2008). . Local knowledge of beluga and narwhal from four communities in Arctic Canada (Stewart et al., 1995). . Government of Nunavut. 2013. Inuit Societal Values Report – Department of Culture and Heritage (Government of Nunavut, 2013). . Inuit Land Use and Occupancy Project (Milton Freeman Research Ltd., 1976). . Inuit Qaujisarvingat: Inuit Knowledge Centre website via Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (Inuit Knowledge Podcast, 2017). . Summary of Knowledge Report on Valued Ecosystemic and Socio-Economic Components and Valued Land and Water Uses in Nunavut (Aarluk, 2012). . NPC Use-and-Occupancy Map Survey (NPC, 2004). Where applicable, topic specific IQ information has been incorporated into this report. Additionally, a map of land use and occupancy information compiled from the IQ workshop, elder interview, and HTO design workshops has been provided (see Figure 2-1). The map also includes place names in the area from the IHT database. The IQ findings are based on a small number of interviews and workshops and a selection of readily available literature, and do not represent the full intensity and extent of Inuit use and occupancy of either the Study Areas or the surrounding region.

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3 Physical Setting

3.1 Program Objectives This section describes the ground conditions of the Study Area and Field Survey Area.

3.2 Desktop Study and Literature Review To support the assessment a desktop review of existing literature was conducted. The following literature and publicly available data was reviewed:

. The Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3rd Edition, 2017 (National Research Council of Canada, 1998). . Cryosolic soils of Canada: Genesis, distribution, and classification. (Tarnocai and Bockheim, 2011). . Establishment of Community-based Permafrost Monitoring Sites, Baffin Region, Nunavut (Ednie and Smith, 2010). . Permafrost and Related Engineering Problems in Alaska (Ferrians et al., 1970). . Geology of the Hamlet and Nova Zemba Island. Map 1396A. Scale 1: 250,000 (Geological Survey of Canada, 1975). . Reconnaissance Glacial Geology, Northeastern Baffin Island (Hodgson and Haselton, 1974). . Summary of knowledge report on valued ecosystemic and socio-economic components and valued land and water uses in Nunavut (Aarluk, 2012). . Aerial Imagery available for the Hamlet (Government of Nunavut, 2016b).

3.3 Fieldwork Methods The literature review information was combined with data gathered from the vegetation survey (Section 4.4) and a site reconnaissance conducted by a geotechnical crew. The geotechnical site visit and vegetation survey were conducted in September 2016, and included visual assessment of the Field Survey Area and the shoreline where the SCH is proposed. The survey was conducted following a light snowfall and, as such, some of the ground was covered by snow.

3.4 Results and Discussion The following combines field observations with information gathered during the literature review.

3.4.1 Geology The Project components (SCH and Quarry) are situated over Pre-Cambrian rock of the Canadian Shield (Geological Survey of Canada, 2012). The Field Survey Area is located on an upland plateau of rolling topography with a blockfield felsenmeer surface, created by in situ frost weathering. Elevation contours show the plateau ranging from 140 to 150 m. Bedrock observed during site visits in the Field Survey Area identified massive, to finely foliated and thinly banded gneiss and migmatite; and zones of folded bedrock were also identified in bedrock exposures. Thickness of overburden in this area is expected to be relatively thin and shallow, and will be confirmed during the intrusive geotechnical investigations planned for April 2017. Based on consultation information, there has been no indication of carving stone occurring within the Field Survey Area.

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3.4.2 Landforms The majority of the site of the SCH Study Area is underlain by gently sloping silty and sandy intertidal sediments. Regional information shows that in the shoreline areas of Eclipse Sound, the till is more often than not quite silty and partly derived from marine sediments (Hodgson and Haselton, 1974). Exposed rock and postglacial nearshore sediments are found at the SCH Study Area, while slightly inland, isolated quaternary till deposits were identified at the base of slopes. These mixed textured deposits may also be influenced by solifluction and cryoturbation. Solifluction may occur on slopes as low as 3° and surficial sediments are particularly mobile in permafrost regions as the active layer is saturated with moisture, due to the impermeability of the underlying permafrost (Ferrians et al., 1970). Additional information on permafrost, erosion and flooding risk will be provided following the completion of additional geotechnical studies (Advisian, In Progress). Several small channel and gulley features occur in the Field Survey Area, which have steep blocky colluvial slopes. Of note was the prominent northeast/southwest trending gully that had measured slopes up to 40 degrees; with an elevation at the base of this gully of 115 m. The slopes of this gully has small to large tabular to blocky boulders which also occur in random locations along the base. Areas of this gully appear to be poorly drained, with ice observed at the ground surface. Drainage features across the plateau of the Field Survey Area are trending mainly northwest/southeast approximately perpendicular to the prominent gully identified. The drainage features within the Quarry Study Area are shallower than the larger gully, had blocky boulders at the base and may be poorly drained. A review of the available aerial imagery did not identify any evidence of thermokarsts or standing water in the proposed quarry location; additionally no features were observed in the ground surface that may be derived from ice lenses such as cracks. No kames or eskers are present within the Field Survey Area or SCH Study Area. The shoreline area at the SCH Study Area comprises a gently sloping beach with a small zone of exposed bedrock outcrop at the shoreline, backed by shallow bluff slopes.

3.4.3 Permafrost The Hamlet is located in the Continuous Cold Permafrost Zone. Permafrost is defined as ground that remains at or below 0°C for at least two consecutive years (Tarnocai and Bockheim, 2011). In general, permafrost can be found at depth of a several hundred meters in the Canadian Arctic. The surface most layer does thaw during the short summer months and this layer can be 15 cm to 40 cm thick. This can vary greatly due to the texture and ice content of the surface material, snow cover and various other factors. In general, there is a much deeper pocket of unfrozen ground under water bodies as the temperature of water is greater and thaws the permafrost. These unfrozen pockets of sediment or rock are called talik. It is assumed that the subtidal areas to be used for the SCH do not contain ice due to the warming effect of the marine water. Ice rick permafrost along the beach itself is also unlikely. There is limited permafrost data for the Hamlet. A permafrost monitoring location was established near the airport in 2008 by the Geological Survey of Canada which recorded temperature for 2008-2009 (Ednie and Smith, 2010). The mean annual ground temperature is -8.5ºC at a depth of 15 m. The annual range of the ground temperature is 27.5ºC (from approximately -22ºC to 5ºC) at a depth of 0.5 m and the estimated active layer thickness (top layer of soil that thaws during summer) for the Hamlet is 0.8 m (Ednie and Smith, 2010). Depending on material, ice content and vegetation cover the active layer in free-draining granular soils can be thicker and can range in depth between 1 to 1.5 m. These granular soils are characteristic of the shoreline deposits that will support access roads and foundations for berthing structures. The Field Survey Area, where

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fill materials will be quarried, are bedrock with properties not directly affected by permafrost, i.e., the behaviour of bedrock is not affected by the fact that the bedrock is frozen. Any increase in annual thaw depths at the coastal region results in a greater beach mobility and thickness of beach material transported given sufficient wave action to mobilize the sand and pebble.

3.4.4 Soils Generally four major Soil Orders are found in project area; Brunisols, Cryosols, Gleysols and Regosols (Aarluk, 2012). Cryosols are found in material where permafrost is present within 1 m of the surface. Brunisols show poor and thin soil development. Gleysols are soils were the water table is shallower than 1 m. from the surface. Regosols are landforms or surface where there has been no soil development and are usually found on bedrock, or young and active landforms such as beaches, floodplains, landslides, and other active or dynamic landforms. All soils names discussed below are based on the Canadian Soil Classification System (National Research Council of Canada, 1998). Given the presence of permafrost and shallow active layer, Brunisolic Cryosols, both Static and Turbic are expected to be present on glacial and upper shoreline landforms, with Regosols present on the beach deposits, active colluvial and fluvial landforms. Brunisolic, Regosols, and Cryosols can be found between the rocks and boulders of the blockfield and the rocky shoreline where fine texture sediments have accumulated. Generally, the soils in the project area are low in nutrients and cold, with shallow surface horizons available for root and vegetation development. Surface disturbance of high-ice content, permafrost-affected soil can result in long-term thawing and surface instability.

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4 Vegetation

4.1 Program Objectives The purpose of the vegetation baseline was to determine the plant species (including lichens), plant communities and plant species at risk within the Field Survey Area. Information was gathered from historical information previously collected in the area and from field studies conducted in September 2016. The information obtained from these sources was combined with local IQ knowledge to develop a list of species found in the Field Survey Area and that are important to the Inuit.

4.2 Desktop Study and Literature Review To support the assessment of the existing conditions of vegetation, a desktop review of existing literature, and databases was conducted to determine vegetation species with historical occurrences, or the potential to occur near the Project. The following literature, guidelines and publically available sources were reviewed:

. Ecozones of Canada (Environment Canada, 2010). . Non-Native and Invasive Species in Nunavut (Government of Nunavut, 2016a). . Common Plants of Nunavut (Mallory and Aiken, 2012). . Flora of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (Aiken et al., 2007). . Species at Risk Public Registry, Species List (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016a). . Committee on the Status of Endangered Species in Canada, Wildlife Species Search (COSEWIC, 2016). . Salix (Salicaceae) Distribution Maps and a Synopsis of Their Classification in North America, North of Mexico (Harvard Papers in Botany, 2007). . Recovery Strategy for the Porsild’s Bryum (Haplodintium macrocarpum) in Canada (ECCC, 2016b). . Vascular Plants of Bylot Island. Ecological Studies and Environmental Monitoring at Bylot Island, Sirmilik National Park, Nunavut (Parks Canada, 2004). . Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (NPC, 2016a). . North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan (NPC, 2000). This information was used to inform the field program, identify data deficiencies and focus the information required to complete a baseline study of plant species and communities, and species at risk inhabiting the Field Survey Area.

4.3 Inuit Qaujimajatugangit IQ was incorporated into the vegetation baseline and was gathered from the following sources (as described in Section 2):

. Conversations with Inuit Field Technicians during habitat assessment. . Information gathered during consultation. . Individual interviews with elders who are active land/water users.

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. Publically available IQ information obtained during previous projects: − Baffinland Mary River Project – Vegetation Baseline Report, Appendix G: Traditional Knowledge Studies Reports (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2012d) . Additional regional literature summarizing related IQ knowledge: − Atlas of Plants of the Nunavik Villages (Blondeau and Roy, 2004) − Inuit Knowledge Regarding Climate Change and the Baffin Bay Polar Bear Population (Dowsley, 2005)

4.4 Fieldwork Methods

4.4.1 Field Survey Area Vegetation field studies focused on the terrestrial portion of the Project footprint, specifically the proposed quarry plus a 100 m buffer. This area is referred to as the Field Survey Area (Figure 4-1).

4.4.2 Data Collection Field surveys were conducted September 16 to 18, 2016 by an experienced vegetation ecologist and a local Inuit field assistant. An ecological land classification survey (ELC) was completed to identify the vegetation communities in the Field Survey Area. Field studies also focussed on identifying each species encountered to collect an inventory for the area.

4.4.2.1 Ecological Land Classification During the field surveys, quantitative data on ecosystems were collected to assist in classification of vegetation communities through an ELC survey. As there is no official vegetation classification system used in Nunavut, vegetation communities were grouped based on similar characteristics such as species composition, topographical position, moisture regime, and percent cover of bedrock. Vegetation communities were identified using a combination of field verification and desktop aerial imagery (Government of Nunavut, 2016b) interpretation. Within the Field Survey Area, vegetation plots were located within each vegetation community identified during field surveys. Within each plot, three 1 m2 subplots were surveyed and were orientated so that they contained a homogeneous vegetation community representative of the typical composition of the vegetation community. Vegetation data collected at each plot included:

. General site characteristics such as slope, aspect, surface substrate . Vegetation species and percent cover . Global positioning system (GPS) coordinates . Photographs

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4.4.2.2 Vegetation Species at Risk Prior to conducting field surveys, the Species at Risk Public Registry (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016a) was searched for rare vascular and non-vascular plants with geographic ranges that include the Field Survey Area. Available research on species distributions and habitats was evaluated to determine the likelihood of occurrence. One rare plant survey was completed within the Field Survey Area on September 16 to 18, 2016. During the survey, aerial photograph interpretation was used to identify unique habitats. Each vegetation community identified was surveyed using a random meander technique, and all vascular and non-vascular species encountered were recorded (or collected for identification). Given that no standards exist for Nunavut, survey methods followed those outlined by the Alberta Native Plant Council (2012). If rare plants were located, a 50 m diameter buffer from the plant location was investigated to determine the extent and size of the population. Detailed habitat and population information, photographs, and GPS coordinates were obtained at each observation site. Figure 4-1 displays the data points collected along the random meander coverage in and around the Field Survey Area. The following guidebooks were used to identify vegetation species:

. Common Plants of Nunavut (Mallory and Aiken, 2012). . Vascular Plants of Continental Northwest Territories (Porsild and Cody, 1980). . Barrenland Beauties: Showy Plants of the Canadian Arctic (Page, 2000). . Atlas of Plants of the Nunavik Villages (Blondeau and Roy, 2004). . Wildflowers of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Region (Johnson, 1987). . Mosses, Lichens and Ferns of Northwest North America (Vitt et al., 1988). . Lichens of North America (Brodo et al., 2001). If a species could not be identified in the field, a vegetation sample was collected for identification by an expert. A total of 76 lichen samples were collected and sent to Janet Marsh, PhD of JMarsh Environmental for identification. Nomenclature and authorities for each plant species recorded followed the United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database (USDA, 2016). Invasive species were defined according to Government of Nunavut (2016a).

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B SHEET CUSTOMER: Legend 0 150 300 600 Vegetation Field Survey Metres ± (! Ground DATE: 05/05/2017 DRAWN: Y.M. *# Rare Plant POND INLET MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE EDITED: Y.M. BASELINE REPORT SCH Study Area Note: APPROVED: M.M. VEGETATION FIELD SURVEY AREA Field Survey Area/Quarry Study Area - Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 18N "This drawing is prepared for the use of our customer as WORLEYPARSONS PROJECT No: FIG No: REV - Aerial Photo from Google Earth, 2010. Its location specified in the accompanying report. WorleyParsons Canada Ltd. is approximate assumes no liability to any other party for any representations 307071-01148 4-1 0 contained in this drawing." PLOT DATE & TIME: 05/05/2017 & PMTIME: 2:42:07 DATE PLOT 05/05/2017 & PMTIME: 2:42:07 DATE SAVE FILE LOCATION: U:\YVR\307071\01148_GON_NVMarInfra\10_Eng\16_Geomatics\01_Mxd\Baseline_Report\PI_Terrestrial_Baseline\2017-02-28_PI_Vegetation_Field_Survey_Rev0.mxd LOCATION: FILE Service Layer Credits: Government of Nunavut Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report

4.5 Results

4.5.1 Desktop Study and Literature Review Most of Nunavut, including the Field Survey Area, is located within the Tundra Biome and the Northern Arctic Ecozone (ESWG, 1995). The Northern Arctic Ecozone is among the largest arctic ecosystems in the world, and is divided into a number of ecoregions. The Project is located within the Ecoregion 76 - Borden Peninsula Plateau, within the Northern Arctic Ecozone (ESWG, 1995). The Borden Peninsula Plateau includes north- central Baffin Island and the southwestern coast of Bylot Island. Vegetation is dominated by herbaceous and lichen communities. Lichen communities are typical in rocky areas, whereas herbaceous cover is greater on wetter and sheltered sites. Extensive vegetation community mapping and vegetation inventories have been conducted within Sirmilik National Park (Duclos et al., 2006). Portions of Sirmilik National Park are in the same ecoregion (Borden Peninsula Plateau) as the Field Survey Area. It is likely that vegetation in the National Park within this ecoregion is similar to vegetation in the Field Survey Area. Generally, when including vascular plants and cryptogram layers (moss, lichen, and bacterial crust), the vegetation cover generally exceeds 100% because of overlap (Duclos et al., 2006).

4.5.2 Fieldwork Results

4.5.2.1 Ecological Land Classification Three ELC ground plots were surveyed with three vegetation communities identified within the Field Survey Area (Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2). An additional 10 ELC ground plots were conducted outside the Field Survey Area to characterize other potential locations prior to the final selection of the Project quarry site. Data collected from those plots are presented within the baseline as the species and community characterizations are representative of the Field Survey Area. Vegetation communities identified within the Field Survey Area included:

. Upland Dwarf Shrub (UDS) . Wetland Graminoid Drainage (WGD) . Wetland Ravine (WR) The Field Survey Area was covered predominantly by the UDS vegetation community, which was a rolling plateau of frost shattered bedrock and dwarf shrub vegetation. This plateau was interspersed with several drainages, which supports the WGD community. As these features drain towards the ocean, they form deeper ravines which support the WR vegetation community. Dwarf shrubs were common throughout all the vegetation community types. The area has a diverse lichen population, which are common on rock and soil substrates. A species list for each of the identified vegetation communities is provided in Appendix 1, and a detailed description for each community is provided in the following sections.

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Upland Dwarf Shrub The UDS vegetation community is characterized as a mosaic of vegetated and frost shattered bedrock areas. Vegetated areas between rocks are dominated by dwarf shrub species, including white Arctic mountain heather (Cassiope tetragona (L.) D. Don), Lapland rosebay (Rhododendron lapponicum (L.) Wahlenb.), and entireleaf mountain-avens (Dryas integrifolia Vahl) (Appendix 1). The frost-shattered bedrock is vegetated by lichens (Figure 4-2; Photo 4-1). Vegetation ground plot (PI-16-GD02 (Figure 4-1) was sampled in this community.

Photo 4-1 Upland Dwarf Shrub Vegetation Community facing Northeast from PI-16-GD02

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Wetland Graminoid Drainage The WSD vegetation community is characterized by saturated ground and vegetation dominated by wetland graminoid species. This community type is located in drainage draws within the UDF vegetation community, with drainage leading towards the WR vegetation community to the north (Figure 4-2). Vegetation was dominated by water sedge (Carex aquatilis Wahlenb.), white cottongrass (Eriophorum scheuchzeri Hoppe), and bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.). (Appendix 1; Photo 4-2).

Photo 4-2 Wetland Graminoid Drainage Vegetation Community facing East from IQ-16-GD03

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Wetland Ravine The WR vegetation community is characterized by a flat-bottomed drainage which transitions steeply into frost-shattered bedrock ravine sides (Figure 4-2). The ravine drains northeast toward the ocean. An ephemeral watercourse, which was flowing at the time of the survey, is present in the ravine. The watercourse is also present intermittently on the surface and below frost-shattered bedrock. The vegetated flat bottomed drainage was dominated by wetland vegetation species including water sedge and Arctic willow (Salix arctica Pall.) (Appendix 1; Photo 4-3).

Photo 4-3 Wetland Ravine Vegetation Community facing Northeast from PI-16-GD01

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4.5.2.2 Vegetation Species at Risk The review of the Species at Risk Public Registry (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016a) showed two rare plants whose range overlaps the Field Survey Area:

. Porsild’s Bryum (Haplodontium macrocarpum), listed as Threatened under COSEWIC and Schedule 1 under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016a). . Blanket-leaved willow (Salix silicicola Raup), listed as Special Concern under COSEWIC and Schedule 1 under SARA (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016a). Porsild’s Bryum is a non-vascular bryophyte species. Porsild’s Bryum has a broad, but disjunct distribution in Canada, including sites in Alberta, British Columbia, the island of Newfoundland, and Nunavut (specifically Ellesmere Island). This species has been designated as threatened since 2003, because of its fragmented distribution and few confirmed population locations. There are 17 known populations in Canada, which accounts for about 70% of known global occurrences. Three of the Canadian populations are located in proximity within Quttinirpaaq National Park, Ellesmere Island, Nunavut (ECCC, 2016d, 2016e). Porsild’s bryum are found in the high Arctic but also in other treeless vegetation zones such as the sub-alpine and along barren coastlines. Microhabitats for most populations are associated with waterfalls or sheltered calcareous rock crevices or faces near water seepages. Narrow substrate (calcareous rock) and habitat requirements (waterfalls and seepages) limit this species distribution (ECCC, 2016b) and neither was observed in the Field Survey Area. Blanket-leaved willow is an erect shrub species, found in only two locations in Canada: the Athabasca Sand Dunes in Saskatchewan, and Pelly Lake at Pelly Lake, Nunavut (continental Nunavut) (Harvard Papers in Botany, 2007). This species was designated as special concern in 2000 due to the restricted distribution. Known habitat requirements for the blanket-leaved willow population include large, active sand dunes (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016a). Little is known about the reported location in Nunavut, which was first observed in 1966. Despite this, active sand dunes are not present in the Field Survey. Consequently this species is not expected to inhabit the Field Survey Areas. During the rare plant survey a total of 62 vegetation species were observed, including six shrub, eleven graminoid, nine forb, and 36 non-vascular species. The most common species identified was white Arctic mountain heather (Cassiope tetragona [L.] D. Don). A list of the species identified is provided in Appendix 1; none of these are listed as species at risk or as invasive.

4.5.3 Inuit Qaujimajatugangit Eighteen plants have been identified as having traditional uses within the Hamlet area (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2012d). Uses for these species include food, medicine, tools, and lamp wicks. Of these species, six were identified within the Field Survey Area during the field surveys (Table 4-1). During IQ focused workshops, two species identified during surveys, Arctic heather and mountain sorrel, were identified as being used for firewood (IQ Workshop: March 2017). Blueberry leaves are also used for making tea (IQ Workshop: March 2017: Elijah Panipakoochoo).

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According to local Elders, the Field Survey Area has not been a traditional area used for harvesting (Matthias Kaunak pers. comm. November 2016). Several species which traditionally are used are present within the Field Survey Area (e.g. blueberries and crowberries), but this area is perceived as being contaminated by the sewage lagoon located about 200 m north from the proposed quarry (HTO Member Design Workshop, 2016). Berry picking areas are located within the Hamlet, but occur outside the Field Survey Area (Figure 2-1).

Table 4-1 Traditionally-used Vegetation Species

Within Common Name Latin Name and Authority Traditional Use Survey Area

Shrubs

White Arctic Mountain Heather* Cassiope tetragona (L.) D. Don Mattresses, Firewood Y

Black Crowberry* Empetrum nigrum L. ssp. nigrum Edible --- Ledum palustre L. ssp. decumbens Marsh Labrador tea* Tea --- (Aiton) Hultén Arctic Willow* Salix arctica Pall. Edible, Firewood, Tools Y Richardson's Willow* Salix richardsonii Hook. Edible --- Purple Mountain Saxifrage* Saxifraga oppositifolia L. Edible, Tea --- Three Toothed Saxifrage* Saxifraga tricuspidata Rottb. Edible, Tea --- Bog Blueberry* Vaccinium uliginosum L. Edible Y

Graminoids

Alpine Meadow-Foxtail* Alopecurus alpinus Lam. Used to make whistling noises --- Arctic Cotton Grass* Eriophorum sp. Lamp wick Y Forbs

Maydell's Oxytrope* Oxytropis maydelliana Traitv. Edible --- Alpine Mountain sorrel* Oxyria digyna (L.) Hill Edible Y Woolly Lousewort* Pedicularis lanata Cham. & Schltdl. Edible --- Alpine Bistort* Polygonum viviparum L. Edible --- Large-Flowered Wintergreen* Pyrola grandiflora Radius Tea --- Non-Vasculars

Witch's Hair Lichen* Alectoria spp. Not specified Y Used to treat pinworm Cushion Moss* N/A --- infections Racomitrium lanuginosum (Hedw.) Used to construct sleeping Racomitrium Moss* --- Brid. shelter Notes: 'Y' denotes species was present within the Field Survey Area --- denotes species was not present within the Field Survey Area '*' denotes species was identified as having traditional use within the Hamlet area

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4.6 Discussion Vegetation communities identified during field studies (i.e. UDS, WGD, and WR) were representative and typical of the Tundra and Northern Arctic Ecozone (Aarluk, 2012; ESWG, 1995). The Field Survey Area consisted primarily of a rolling plateau of frost-shattered bedrock with dwarf shrub vegetation. This plateau was interspersed with several drainages, which lead to a ravine. Dwarf shrubs were common throughout all the vegetation community types. A total of 62 vegetation species were observed, more than half were lichen species including six shrub, eleven graminoid, nine forb and 36 non-vascular species. The relatively high lichen species richness was expected because of the large area of exposed bedrock. Thirty-six species of lichen and other non-vascular species were identified during field studies, demonstrating the relative importance of non-vascular species to the flora of Nunavut (Aarluk, 2012). All vascular plants identified during the field survey are common in Nunavut (Mallory and Aiken, 2012; Page, 2000; Johnson, 1987). However, it should be noted that field studies occurred late in the season following a snowfall. This can make plant identification difficult, given senescence of plant material including the identifiable parts of specimens. As a result, some species could not be identified or could be identified only to genus. Therefore, the species list for the Field Survey Area is incomplete. Despite this limitation, the collected data provides a list of the dominant species that enabled the characterization of vegetation communities. Based on the information collected, no habitat is present that can support the two vegetation species at risk whose range overlaps the Field Survey Area.

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5 Terrestrial Wildlife

5.1 Program Objectives The purpose of the wildlife baseline was to determine the presence of terrestrial wildlife, important or critical habitats, and key features in the Study and Field Survey Areas. This information is to be used to complete a screening-level effects assessment. Ultimately, the Project will incorporate ecological information relevant to these species so potential negative effects can be avoided or mitigated. Baseline information was determined using historical information gathered as part of a desktop study, literature review, and IQ gathering. To supplement this desktop study, a field-based habitat assessment and wildlife reconnaissance survey were conducted in conjunction with the vegetation field program. These results enabled refinement of a list of species likely to inhabit the Study and Field Survey Areas. Although they spend the majority of their life in marine environments on sea ice and Fisheries and Oceans Canada considers them marine mammals; for purposes of this program, polar bears are considered to be terrestrial wildlife, given that their maternal dens (a critical life-history stage) are constructed predominately in coastal terrestrial environments (COSEWIC, 2008a).

5.2 Desktop Study and Literature Review The desktop study and literature review were conducted to determine species with historical occurrences near the Project. Furthermore, protected areas or known high value habitats (e.g. Wildlife Sanctuaries) were identified. In addition to identifying historical occurrences, a list of species that could potentially occupy the Field Survey Area was generated. This list was determined by examining available habitat using aerial imagery (Government of Nunavut, 2016b) and comparing it to habitat requirements for species whose ranges overlap with the Project area. Range maps and habitat information were determined by field guides, peer-reviewed literature, and other reference sources. Specifically, the following data sources were reviewed:

. Peer-reviewed literature and secondary literature: − A complete guide to Arctic Wildlife (Sale, 2006) − Annales Zoologici Fennici − Arctic − ArcticWOLVES (Gauthier and Berteaux, 2011) − Canadian Field-Naturalist − Canadian Journal of Zoology − Mammalian Species − Oecologia − Polar Biology . Territorial Government reports and databases: − Baffin Island Caribou Consultations (Jenkins and Goorts, 2013) − Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (NPC, 2016a) − North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan (NPC, 2000) − Estimating the Abundance of South Baffin Caribou (Jenkins et al., 2012)

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− Inuit Knowledge Regarding Climate Change and the Baffin Bay Polar Bear Population (Dowsley, 2005) − Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study (Priest and Usher, 2004) − Small Mammal Survey in the Northwest Territories (Carrière, 1999) − Space Use and Movement Patterns of the North Baffin Caribou (Jenkins and Goorts, 2011) . Federal government reports: − COSEWIC Assessments and Status Reports . Environmental reports for other development project: − Mary River Project Final Environmental Impact Statement (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2010) − Nunavut Wildlife Resources and Habitat Values (Nunami Stantec, 2012)

5.2.1 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit IQ information was incorporated into the terrestrial wildlife Program and was gathered from the following sources:

. Community Priorities and Values Interactive Map (NPC, 2016b). . Conversations with Inuit Field Technicians during habitat assessment (see Section 5.3 below). . IQ workshops held with the local HTO (see Section 2 above). . IQ focused workshop (see Section 2 above). . Government and scientific literature summarizing community consultations or IQ research: − Baffin Island Caribou Consultations (Jenkins and Goorts, 2013) − Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study (Priest and Usher, 2004) − Nunavut Wildlife Resources and Habitat Values (Nunami Stantec, 2012) . Data gathered during other community consultations for the: − Mary River Project Final Environmental Impact Statement (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2012b)

5.3 Fieldwork Methods The methodology used to collect habitat information is described in detail in relation to the Vegetation Program (Section 4). In addition to collecting detailed data on vegetation diversity, composition, and structure, the vegetation ecologist also conducted a wildlife reconnaissance survey. During this reconnaissance survey, all wildlife species observed or detected by sign (scat, pellets, tracks, etc.) were identified (if possible), photographed, and georeferenced using a handheld GPS. In addition to individual wildlife, all wildlife features (e.g. dens, burrows, diggings) were similarly photographed and georeferenced. The information collected during the habitat assessment and wildlife reconnaissance survey was used to further refine the list of species with potential to inhabit the Study and Field Survey Areas.

5.4 Results No terrestrial wildlife was observed during the wildlife reconnaissance survey. Consequently, much of the information obtained relating to terrestrial wildlife is based on the Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study (Priest and Usher, 2004). Species identified as having potential to inhabit in the Study and Field Survey Areas were inferred from range maps, habitat requirements, aerial imagery, and results of the vegetation and habitat assessment.

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A total of ten terrestrial wildlife species, ranging from lemmings to barren-ground caribou have historical occurrences or have the potential to occur within the Field Survey Area (Table 5-1). Details on each species are provided in the following subsections. Three of the mammals whose range overlaps the Field Survey Area are species at risk: barren-ground caribou are listed as Threatened, polar bear and wolverine (Gulo gulo) are listed as Special Concern (COSEWIC, 2016).

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Table 5-1 Terrestrial Wildlife that have Potential to Inhabit in the Field Survey Area

Common Name Scientific Name Habitat1

Small Mammals (Rodents and Lagamorphs)

Brown Lemming Lemmus trimucronatus . Damp (hydric) tundra dominated by grasses, sedges, and mosses

Peary Land Collared Lemming Dicrostonyx groenlandicus . Dry (xeric), rocky tundra

Arctic Hare Lepus arcticus . Typically willow-dominated tundra but also rocks and broken terrain for cover

Medium Mammals (Canids and Mustelids) Arctic Fox Alopex lagopus . Likely determined more by prey availability (i.e. small mammals and geese) than vegetation . Dens are large, complex burrow systems with multiple entrances Red Fox Vulpes vulpes . Likely determined more by prey availability (i.e. small mammals and geese) than vegetation . Use pre-existing Arctic fox dens Arctic Wolf Canis lupus arctos . Likely determined more by prey availability (i.e. caribou) than vegetation . Dens typically located along eskers Ermine Mustela ermine . Habitat generalist, likely determined more by prey availability than vegetation . Used subnivean grass nests, rock piles and burrows often commandeered from prey Wolverine2 Gulo gulo . Wide ranging species whose habitat is likely determined more by prey availability (i.e. carcasses and small mammals) than vegetation . Den within snow or under snow-covered rocks Large Mammals Barren-ground Caribou3 Rangifer tarandus . Mesic to xeric tundra with snow-free or shallow snow-covered ridges and other groenlandicus topographical features offering shelter Polar Bear4 Ursus maritimus . Wide ranging across sea ice . Construct maternal snow dens along coast Notes: 1 Habitat information from: (Chesemore, 1969; Parker, 1977; Garrott et al., 1983; King, 1983; Gray, 1993; Klein and Bay, 1994; Sittler, 1995; COSEWIC, 2004; McLoughlin et al., 2004; Sale, 2006; King and Powell, 2007; Duchesne et al., 2011; Gauthier and Berteaux, 2011; COSEWIC, 2008a, 2011, 2014a) 2 Wolverine are listed by Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as Special Concern but are not listed under the Species at Risk Act (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016b). 3 Barren-ground caribou are listed by the COSEWIC as Threatened but are not presently listed under the SARA (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016b). 4 Polar bear and wolverine are listed by COSEWIC as Special Concern and are listed on Schedule 1 as Special Concern under the SARA (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016b).

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5.4.1 Small Mammals (Rodents and Lagomorphs) Small mammals are defined in this report as those species belonging to the following mammalian orders: Rodentia (rodents) and Lagomorpha (hares and rabbits). A small-mammal survey was completed between 1990 and 1996 in the Hamlet where brown lemming (Lemmus trimucronatus) and Peary Land collared lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) were captured (Carrière, 1999). In earlier investigations in the 1950s, Peary Land collared lemmings apparently were more abundant than brown lemmings (Miller, 1955). Despite being collected during a period of scarcity (following a peak in the population cycle), three Pearly Land collared lemmings were found under the Hudson’s Bay Company building in the Hamlet (Miller, 1955). According to the Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study (Priest and Usher, 2004), Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus) is the only small mammal reported to be harvested by hunters from the Hamlet, and mean annual harvest was 105 individuals per year.

5.4.2 Medium Mammals (Canids and Mustelids) For this Project, medium-sized mammals have been identified as those species belonging to the following mammalian orders: Canidae (dog family) and Mustelidae (weasel family). The Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study (Priest and Usher, 2004) identified that Arctic wolf and both colour phases of Arctic fox have been harvested by hunters in the Hamlet. However, location data for these species have not been collected. Therefore, it cannot be determined whether these species were distributed and harvested near the Field Survey Area. On average, 38 Arctic fox, 17 coloured fox, and 13 Arctic wolves are harvested each year by hunters from the Hamlet (Priest and Usher, 2004). In addition to Arctic fox and wolves, the Field Survey Area has potential to support fox (Vulpes vulpes), ermine (Mustela erminea), and wolverine (Gulo gulo). Although no surveys have been conducted near the Hamlet, ermine and Arctic fox have in the past been common on neighbouring Bylot Island, particularly in the lowlands of the south coast (Miller, 1955).

5.4.3 Large Mammals (Barren-Ground Caribou and Polar Bears) Both barren-ground caribou and polar bears are harvested by hunters in the Hamlet (Priest and Usher, 2004). Caribou are the main source of country food, and between 1996 and 2001, the mean annual harvest of caribou was 1,828 individuals per year (Priest and Usher, 2004). Feedback from community members suggests that the estimate was accurate (Priest and Usher, 2004). Location data collected as part of the survey revealed that caribou are hunted largely around the Hamlet and Bylot Island (Figure 5-1) (Priest and Usher, 2004). Barren-ground caribou traditionally have been observed near the Hamlet (Priest and Usher, 2004); however, in recent years, caribou have declined (Jenkins et al., 2012). Population estimates from 1985 based upon expert opinion place the number of north Baffin caribou herd to be greater than 30,000 (Jenkins and Goorts, 2011). In 1991, estimates (also based upon expert opinion) placed the herd at between 50,000 and 150,000 (Jenkins and Goorts, 2011). However, IQ has informed managers that the population has been in decline since the mid- 1990s (Jenkins and Goorts, 2011). Harvest data show a corresponding decrease (Priest and Usher, 2004). In 2008, a total of 4,587 km of transects were flown, and only nine groups of caribou (total of 47 individuals) were observed; the following year, 7,186 km of transects were flown and 23 groups (total of 119 individuals) were observed (Jenkins and Goorts, 2011). Both datasets were too sparse for robust density estimates; however, the number of individuals observed was scarce. Movement analysis is ongoing, but most of the caribou observations were near Mary River. This coincides with where most calves have been observed. Other

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caribou locations include areas between 55 and 100 km south of the Hamlet within the fjords east of Admiralty Inlet (Jenkins and Goorts, 2011). For polar bears, mean annual harvest was 18 individuals per year (Priest and Usher, 2004). According to Miller (1955), polar bear are often found along the north coast of Bylot Island and the east coast of Bylot and Baffin Islands. Harvest records for polar bears agree with this distribution (Priest and Usher, 2004). Polar bears appear to be most often harvested off Cape Graham Moore and sporadically through Eclipse Sound and Navy Board Inlet; another cluster of polar bear harvest appears around Elwin Inlet (Figure 5-2) (Priest and Usher, 2004). Typically, the polar bears are hunted at the floe edge (Miller, 1955).

5.4.4 Designated Units – Polar Bear Maternal Denning The polar bears, whose range overlaps the Field Survey Area, belong to the Baffin Bay population (COSEWIC, 2008a). There are several designated polar bear denning units, which have been identified as part of the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (NPC, 2016a). A polar bear denning unit is designated immediately east of the Hamlet and extends south to Scott Inlet (Figure 5-3). This denning unit includes all major fjords and coastal areas. Another designated polar bear denning unit occurs on Bylot Island and Elwin Inlet west of Navy Board Inlet (Figure 5-3).

5.4.5 Wildlife Areas of Special Interest Bylot Island has been identified as a Wildlife Area of Special Interest (WASI, Nunami Stantec, 2012) (Figure 5-4) It is 9,415 km2 in size and includes the northern half of Bylot Island; and has been identified as a WASI for its importance to polar bears. This area is protected by Sirmilik National Park and the Bylot Island MBS (Nunami Stantec, 2012).

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B SHEET CUSTOMER: Legend 0 10 20 40 Harvested Caribou Location Kilometres ± DATE: 03/05/2017 DRAWN: Y.M. POND INLET MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE EDITED: Y.M. BASELINE REPORT HARVESTED CARIBOU LOCATIONS (1998 - 2001) APPROVED: M.M. Note: "This drawing is prepared for the use of our customer as WORLEYPARSONS PROJECT No: FIG No: REV Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 18N specified in the accompanying report. WorleyParsons Canada Ltd. assumes no liability to any other party for any representations 307071-01148 5-1 0 contained in this drawing." PLOT DATE & TIME: 28/04/2017 8:26:38 AM 28/04/2017 & TIME: 8:26:38 DATE PLOT AM 28/04/2017 & TIME: 8:26:38 DATE SAVE FILE LOCATION: U:\YVR\307071\01148_GON_NVMarInfra\10_Eng\16_Geomatics\01_Mxd\Baseline_Report\PI_Terrestrial_Baseline\2017-04-28_PI_Harvested_Caribou_Rev0.mxd LOCATION: FILE Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community 300000 400000 500000 600000 8200000 73°0'0"N 8100000

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B SHEET CUSTOMER: Legend 0 10 20 40 Harvested Polar Bear Location Kilometres ± DATE: 03/05/2017 DRAWN: Y.M. POND INLET MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE EDITED: Y.M. BASELINE REPORT HARVESTED POLAR BEAR LOCATIONS (1998 - 2001) APPROVED: M.M. Note: "This drawing is prepared for the use of our customer as WORLEYPARSONS PROJECT No: FIG No: REV Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 18N specified in the accompanying report. WorleyParsons Canada Ltd. assumes no liability to any other party for any representations 307071-01148 5-2 0 contained in this drawing." PLOT DATE & TIME: 28/04/2017 8:33:10 AM 28/04/2017 & TIME: 8:33:10 DATE PLOT AM 28/04/2017 & TIME: 8:33:10 DATE SAVE FILE LOCATION: U:\YVR\307071\01148_GON_NVMarInfra\10_Eng\16_Geomatics\01_Mxd\Baseline_Report\PI_Terrestrial_Baseline\2017-04-28_PI_Harvested_Polar_Bear_Rev0.mxd LOCATION: FILE Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community 300000 400000 500000 600000 8200000 73°0'0"N 8100000

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B SHEET CUSTOMER: 0 10 20 40 Legend Kilometres Polar Bear Denning Units ± DATE: 03/05/2017 DRAWN: Y.M. POND INLET MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE EDITED: Y.M. BASELINE REPORT POLAR BEAR DENNING UNITS APPROVED: M.M. Note: "This drawing is prepared for the use of our customer as WORLEYPARSONS PROJECT No: FIG No: REV Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 18N specified in the accompanying report. WorleyParsons Canada Ltd. assumes no liability to any other party for any representations 307071-01148 5-3 0 contained in this drawing." PLOT DATE & TIME: 28/04/2017 8:36:23 AM 28/04/2017 & TIME: 8:36:23 DATE PLOT AM 28/04/2017 & TIME: 8:36:23 DATE SAVE FILE LOCATION: U:\YVR\307071\01148_GON_NVMarInfra\10_Eng\16_Geomatics\01_Mxd\Baseline_Report\PI_Terrestrial_Baseline\2017-04-28_PI_Polar_Bear_Denning_Rev0.mxd LOCATION: FILE Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community 200000 300000 400000 500000 74°0'0"N 8200000 73°0'0"N 8100000

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B SHEET CUSTOMER: Legend 0 10 20 40 Migratory Bird Sanctuary Lancaster Sound EBSA Kilometres ± DATE: 03/05/2017 Key Bird Habitat DRAWN: Y.M. POND INLET MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE Important Birds Area EDITED: Y.M. BASELINE REPORT Proposed Lancaster Sound APPROVED: M.M. WILDLIFE AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Note: National Marine Conservation "This drawing is prepared for the use of our customer as WORLEYPARSONS PROJECT No: FIG No: REV Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 18N specified in the accompanying report. WorleyParsons Canada Ltd. Area assumes no liability to any other party for any representations 307071-01148 5-4 0 contained in this drawing." PLOT DATE & TIME: 28/04/2017 8:39:06 AM 28/04/2017 & TIME: 8:39:06 DATE PLOT AM 28/04/2017 & TIME: 8:39:06 DATE SAVE FILE LOCATION: U:\YVR\307071\01148_GON_NVMarInfra\10_Eng\16_Geomatics\01_Mxd\Baseline_Report\PI_Terrestrial_Baseline\2017-04-28_PI_Important_Area_for_Birds_Rev0.mxd LOCATION: FILE Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Government of Nunavut Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report

5.4.6 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit The information relayed during the IQ interviews included:

. There have been several polar bear sightings (including a polar bear and cub) on the northeast end of the Hamlet along the coast to the sewage lagoon this fall (2016, Figure 2-1); they have been observed more frequently than in the past. . Foxes are not observed. . Arctic hare and rock ptarmigan hunting takes place in an area between the sewage lagoon and the coast (Figure 2-1). Residents of the Hamlet have noted during previous community consultations the increase in polar bear sightings (Dowsley, 2005, 2007). In addition to IQ interviews, Inuit field technicians informed the ecologist that caribou are not often seen near the Hamlet now and hunters have to travel much farther to hunt. This agrees with IQ that was relayed during community meetings in the Hamlet as part of the draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (NPC, 2016a). During community workshops for the land use plan, caribou were noted to be absent and migration routes have changed (NPC, 2013). Guys Bight (>40 km from the Study Area) has also been identified as an important area for polar bears (Inuit Heritage Trust Incorporated, 2005). At a regional scale, in previous consultations with Inuit Elders regarding climate change, knowledge regarding changes to terrestrial wildlife was relayed (Nunavut Arctic College Media, 2016). Caribou have been declining, yet there are more polar bears, and brown foxes (local reference to red fox) there (Nunavut Arctic College Media, 2016). Community consultations as part of the Baffinland Project revealed that the area surrounding the Hamlet is abundant with lemmings (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2010). Moreover, Arctic hare and Arctic fox dens are located along the east coast of Baffin Island and along Oliver sound to the west (both areas >40 km from the Study Area). Similarly, caribou locations are generally south of the Hamlet near Utsuk Lake (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2010). A summary of harvest data described in the Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study (Priest and Usher, 2004) is provided in Table 5-2.

Table 5-2 List of Species Harvested by Hunters from the Hamlet and their Mean Number Harvested Per Year

Common Name Scientific Name Mean Number Harvested Per Year

Arctic hare Lepus arcticus 105 Arctic wolf1 Canis lupus arctos 13 Arctic fox1 Alopex lagopus 38 Red fox1 Vulpes vulpes 17 Barren-ground caribou Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus 1,828 Polar bear Ursus maritimus 18 Muskox2 Alces americanus 1 Source: (Priest and Usher, 2004) Note:s 1 Previously harvested however location data has not been collected. 2 Muskox were reported as harvested by Pond Inlet hunters but given its range, this species is likely harvested elsewhere.

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5.4.7 Habitat Value A full description of the vegetation communities is provided in Section 4.5.2.

5.4.7.1 SCH Study Area In general, habitat near the proposed small-craft harbour is of limited value for terrestrial wildlife. Human development in the Hamlet extends to the edge of the ocean. The beach is developed and has structures and boats along its length. The buildings along the beach may provide cover for small mammals and weasels. At low tide, the intertidal zone likely provides foraging opportunities. However, the value of these areas for habitat is low given the amount of disturbance and frequent human activity.

5.4.7.2 Quarry Field Survey Area Habitat available for wildlife in proximity to the quarry is similarly of low quality. The majority of the terrain is comprised of bedrock; therefore it provides security, escape, and thermal cover for some small mammals but has little value for denning. The lack of soil and the sparse and low vegetation cover reduces the attractiveness for foraging or cover for species that depend on dense or tall vegetation.

5.5 Discussion

5.5.1 Small Mammals

5.5.1.1 Arctic Hare Presence in the Field Survey Area Despite no confirmed observations of terrestrial wildlife during the field reconnaissance near the Field Survey Area, habitat can support a number of terrestrial wildlife species. Still, the value of this habitat likely is lower than that south towards Utuk Lake. Arctic hare typically inhabit willow-dominated communities in winter and summer (Klein and Bay, 1994) where they typically forage on twigs, bark, and other plant material (Sale, 2006) such as willow, Dryas integrifolia, grasses, and forbs (Parker, 1977). Willow-dominated communities were rare in the Field Survey Area. However, some dwarf shrub communities present may provide limited forage opportunities. Though Arctic hare typically inhabit willow-dominated communities, Parker (1977) found them to commonly inhabit elevated, dry gravel slopes, which support a sparse but diverse vegetation community. Moreover, Arctic hare commonly seek shelter behind rocks during winter (Gray, 1993). It is believed that this type of broken terrain provides appropriate escape cover and sheltering habitat. Most of the Field Survey Area was comprised of upland bedrock outcrop communities which would provide suitable escape cover. IQ knowledge gathered during community consultations confirms that Arctic hare use habitat north of the Field Survey Area along the coast.

5.5.1.2 Lemming Presence in the Field Survey Area Brown lemmings occupy a variety of tundra types but with greater abundance on damp tundra dominated by grasses, sedges, and mosses (Sale, 2006). Some wetland dwarf shrub communities identified during the ecological land classification may be able to support this species. However, much of the Field Survey Area is on bedrock. Perry Land collared lemmings may be more likely to occupy the Field Survey Area. Collared lemmings occupy a variety of tundra types, but in contrast to brown lemmings, are more abundant on dry, rocky tundra (Sale, 2006). Both species nest in complex micro-habitat and abundance of deciduous shrubs and mosses, which provide opportunities for deep snow cover and thermal protection (Duchesne et al., 2011). IQ knowledge confirms that lemmings are common around the Hamlet.

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5.5.2 Medium Mammals

5.5.2.1 Ermine Presence in the Field Survey Area Ermine are considered to be habitat generalists (King, 1983; King and Powell, 2007). Like many other mustelids, habitat is likely determined primarily by prey availability rather than vegetation associations (Klemola et al., 1999). In the Arctic, ermine eat primarily lemmings. When lemming populations are low, ermine use other food sources such as ptarmigan and eggs (King and Powell, 2007). Therefore, their likelihood of inhabiting the Field Survey Area depends on the availability of prey. IQ knowledge suggests that lemmings are common near the Hamlet (IQ Workshop: March 2017: Sheattie Tagak), therefore it should be expected that ermine may also be found. Ermine are known to occupy lemming nests during winter in tundra environments (Sittler, 1995). However, they also nest in rock piles and burrows (King, 1983). Given the bedrock outcrops in the Field Survey Area, there may be suitable cover and escape habitat available. Home ranges of ermine in the tundra and birch forests of Finland span from 35 to 66 ha for females and 121 to 207 ha for males (King and Powell, 2007). Consequently, only one pair (male and female) of weasels are likely to inhabit the Field Survey Area.

5.5.2.2 Wolverine Presence in the Field Survey Area Although federally-listed as Special Concern in Canada, wolverine populations appear to be increasing in Nunavut (COSEWIC, 2014a). No wolverines were reported to have been harvested on Baffin Island (Priest and Usher, 2004). Wolverines habitat use in the Arctic is likely determined more by prey availability (rodents, hare, and ungulate carcasses) rather than vegetation (COSEWIC, 2014a). Wolverines are a wide-ranging, generally nomadic species, found in low densities in remote areas away from human disturbance (COSEWIC, 2014a; Sale, 2006). As such, wolverine occurrence within the Field Survey Area is likely to be only transient in nature.

5.5.2.3 Fox Presence in the Field Survey Area Similar to weasels, Arctic fox appear to be less closely tied to vegetation associations than to other factors such as prey availability. Cycles in Arctic fox populations are closely tied with lemming abundance (Gauthier and Berteaux, 2011). Moreover, Arctic fox home range and movements increase during periods (or in territories) of low food abundance (Gauthier and Berteaux, 2011). The widespread red fox, which is highly adaptable and often associated with human developments and urban areas, has recently been expanding into the Arctic (Gauthier and Berteaux, 2011). IQ knowledge confirms both species occupy the Hamlet area. Given the limited soil, there likely are few places for fox to den. However, the Field Survey Area may provide foraging habitat particularly if there are sufficient Arctic hare or lemmings as a food source. IQ reveals that known fox dens are found on the coast to the east and on the west coast near Oliver Sound; both areas are about 40 km from the Project Area (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2010). Arctic fox home ranges in coastal Alaska are around 10 km2 (males) and 4 km2 (females) (Anthony, 1997) but they can travel vast distances. Near Bylot Island, a male and female both, at a minimum, travelled 4,599 km and 2,193 km, respectively, in six months (Tarroux et al., 2010). Red fox are likely to have comparatively larger home range size than Arctic fox because they require larger areas to meet basic metabolic needs (Harestad and Bunnell, 1979). As such, based upon expected home range sizes, the Field Survey Area would only support one pair or family group (of either species).

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5.5.2.4 Arctic Wolf Presence in the Field Survey Area Although it is possible that Arctic wolves could move through the Field Survey Area, it is unlikely. Arctic wolves have large home ranges and, as with the other carnivores discussed, base their habitat utilization upon caribou, their primary prey, which are migratory (McLoughlin et al., 2004). It is suspected that wolves in southern Baffin Island follow caribou herds (Krizan, 2006), and it is likely a similar pattern occurs in the north. Given that IQ knowledge suggests caribou have declined and no longer occur near the Hamlet, it is unlikely that wolves would frequent this area. Likewise, at a home range scale, wolves appear to select habitat based upon availability of den sites. Arctic wolves prefer esker habitat likely because granular and sandy composition can be easily excavated and this is likely limiting in a landscape dominated by bedrock, water, and permafrost (McLoughlin et al., 2004). Given the lack of eskers or suitable soil, wolves are unlikely to occur in the Field Survey Area.

5.5.3 Large Mammals

5.5.3.1 Barren-ground Caribou Presence in the Field Survey Area Given that caribou have declined in the Hamlet area since the late 1990s and more recently absent, the likelihood of caribou occupying the Field Survey Area is low.

5.5.3.2 Polar Bear Presence in the Field Survey Area Polar bears spend the most time on sea ice hunting ringed seals (Pusa hispida) which often are associated with consolidated ice floes and pack-ice adjacent to pressure ridges (COSEWIC, 2008a). Because of their reliance on sea ice to access their main prey, polar bear distribution is tied to seasonal sea-ice extent (COSEWIC, 2008a). For the Baffin Bay population, loss of sea-ice in summer means polar bears must occupy summer retreats (COSEWIC, 2008a). In summer retreats, polar bears may live off fat reserves, or have been observed feeding on berries (e.g. Vaccinium uliginosum and Empetrum nigrum), waterfowl nests and eggs, and even caribou. Garbage and food waste are known to attract bears at this time of the year (COSEWIC, 2008a). Given polar bears have been observed in town as recently as fall of 2016 and IQ suggests they are sighted more frequently (Dowsley, 2005, 2007), it is likely that polar bears may occasionally wander through the Study or Field Survey Areas in summer and fall. However, it is unlikely that they will stay for any length of time. Garbage and other human waste likely attract bears into the area. During winter, female polar bears excavate maternal dens in snow-drifts in coastal areas. The areas east of the Hamlet are identified as important denning habitat but they do not overlap the Field Survey Area (NPC, 2016a).

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6 Migratory and Marine Birds

6.1 Program Objectives The purpose of this Program was to identify the presence of migratory and marine birds, important or critical habitats, and key features found in the Field Survey Area (near the proposed quarry) and Study Area (proposed SCH). Potential presence was determined using historical information gathered as part of a desktop study, literature review, and IQ gathering. To supplement the desktop study and literature review, a field-based habitat assessment and wildlife reconnaissance survey was conducted in conjunction with the Vegetation Program. These results enabled refinement of a list of species likely to inhabit the Study and Field Survey Areas. Although many marine birds are pelagic and spend most of their life at sea, for purposes of this Program, marine birds are considered together with migratory birds given that they nest terrestrially (a critical life-history stage) and most are also migratory.

6.2 Desktop Study and Literature Review To support assessment of the existing condition of migratory and marine birds, existing literature and databases were reviewed to determine species with historical occurrences near the Project. Protected areas or known high-value habitats (e.g. wildlife sanctuaries) were identified. In addition to identifying historical occurrences, a list of species that could potentially occupy the Field Survey Area was generated. This list was determined by examining available habitat using aerial imagery (Government of Nunavut, 2016b) and comparing it with habitat requirements for species whose ranges overlaps with the Project. Range maps and habitat information were determined by field guides and other reference sources. Specifically, the following data sources were reviewed:

. Primary and secondary literature: − A Complete Guide to Arctic Wildlife (Sale, 2006) − American Birds − Arctic − Canadian Field-Naturalist − The Birds of North America Online (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2016b) − Waterbirds . Territorial Government reports and databases: − Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (NPC, 2016a) − Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study (Priest and Usher, 2004) . Citizen Science Initiatives: − eBird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2017) − Important Bird Areas (IBA Canada (2016). . Federal Government reports: − COSEWIC Assessments and Status Reports − Key Habitat Sites for Migratory Birds in the Nunavut Settlement Area (Environment Canada, 2014)

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− Key Marine Habitat Sites for Migratory Birds in the Nunavut and Northwest Territories (Mallory and Fontaine, 2004) . Environmental reports for other development projects: − Mary River Project Final Environmental Impact Statement (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2012a) − Nunavut Wildlife Resources and Habitat Values (Nunami Stantec, 2012)

6.2.1 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit IQ knowledge was incorporated into the terrestrial wildlife Program and gathered from the following sources:

. Community Priorities and Values Interactive Map (NPC, 2016b). . IQ workshops held with the local HTO (see Section 2 above). . IQ focused workshop (see Section 2 above). . Conversations with Inuit Field Technicians during habitat assessment (see Section 6.3 below). . Government and scientific literature summarizing community consultations or IQ research: − Can Local Ecological Knowledge Contribute to Wildlife Management? Case Studies of Migratory Birds (Gilchrist et al., 2005) − Local Ecological Knowledge of Ivory Gull Declines in Arctic Canada (Mallory et al., 2003) − Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study (Priest and Usher, 2004) − Nunavut Wildlife Resources and Habitat Values (Nunami Stantec, 2012) . Summarization of data gathered during other community consultations: − Mary River Project Final Environmental Impact Statement (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2012b)

6.3 Fieldwork Methods Given that field-work was conducted outside of the breeding season for migratory and marine birds (late- September 2016), the likelihood of gathering robust data on migratory and marine birds was considered low. As such, fieldwork focused on gathering habitat data that could be used to generate a list of species with potential to inhabit the Study and Field Survey Areas. Methodology used to collect habitat information is described in detail in Section 4.4. In addition to collecting data on vegetation, including composition and structure, the vegetation ecologist also conducted a general wildlife reconnaissance survey. During this reconnaissance survey, all birds observed and features that were detected (e.g. whitewash, pellets, nests, perches) were identified (if possible), photographed, and georeferenced using a handheld GPS unit.

6.4 Results

6.4.1 Important Bird Areas and Key Bird and Habitat Sites IBAs are sites that have been identified as internationally significant for the conservation of birds and biodiversity (IBA Canada, 2016). IBAs support birds such as threatened species, large congregations of birds, and birds restricted in range or habitat. These IBAs are identified according to internationally agreed upon, standardized, quantitative, and scientifically defensible criteria (IBA Canada, 2016). Although IBAs are located outside the Study and Field Survey Areas, birds are highly mobile and most are migratory. Consequently, there

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is potential for these species to occupy, stop-over, or pass through on their way to nearby IBAs. As such they are discussed below. The Study and Field Survey Areas are relatively close to a number of IBAs (Figure 5-4). The closest IBAs are located on or near Bylot Island: Baillarge Bay, Cape Graham Moore, Southwest Bylot, Cape Hay, and the Lancaster Sound Polynya (IBA Canada, 2016). These IBAs have been identified for their global and continental significance for species that congregate, and concentrations of waterfowl, and colonial waterbird and seabirds. Over 100 migratory bird species nest in the Canadian Arctic, and over 30% of these depend entirely on the Arctic (i.e. 100% of their nesting habitat occurs here) for producing young (Environment Canada, 2014). Environment Canada (now known as ECCC) prepared recommendations for Key Bird and Habitat Sites that should see reduced or mitigated human activities as part of the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (Environment Canada, 2014; NPC, 2016a). These areas were identified such that, if they were adopted, they could be a tool with legal force to ensure human activities do not threaten the ecological function of these sites for migratory and marine birds and species at risk (Environment Canada, 2014). The sites identified as IBAs have also been identified as Key Bird and Habitat Sites (i.e. Baillarge Bay, Cape Graham Moore, Southwest Bylot, and Cape Hay; see Figure 5-4) (NPC, 2016a; Latour et al., 2008).

6.4.1.1 Baillarge Bay Baillarge Bay (~225 km from the Study Area) is located along the northeast side of Admiralty Inlet. The coastal cliffs provide important colonial seabird nesting habitat, and is one of the largest colonies of northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis). Over 30,000 (range: 10,000 to 100,000) breeding pairs nest here, representing 13% of the Canadian population (Latour et al., 2008). Likewise, the site offers important breeding grounds for glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus). During April and October, Baillarge Bay represents important foraging habitat as northern fulmars and black guillemots (Cepphus grille) congregate at the nearby ice floes to feed (Mallory and Fontaine, 2004; Latour et al., 2008).

6.4.1.2 Cape Graham Moore Cape Graham Moore is located on the southeast coast of Bylot Island, approximately 45 km from the Study Area. This IBA and Key Bird and Habitat Site contains important coastal cliffs for nesting seabirds and it a breeding ground for 2% of the Canadian population of thick-bulled murres and 1.5% of the Canadian population of black-legged kittiwakes (Latour et al., 2008). Moreover, at least 50 species of birds occupy this area (IBA Canada, 2016). Since the ice floe is not far from the Cape, marine birds use this area for foraging between mid-April and October (Latour et al., 2008). Likewise, in winter, open water parallels Bylot Island and connects to the Lancaster Sound and North Water Polynyas (Mallory and Fontaine, 2004). As such, this open water represents valuable winter foraging habitat for ivory gulls (Pagophila eburnea), a species at risk that stages and migrates along the ice floe.

6.4.1.3 Cape Hay Cape Hay (~125 km from the Study Area) is on the north-western tip of Bylot Island near the entrance to Lancaster Sound and has important seabird nesting cliffs, particularly for large numbers of thick-billed murres and black-legged kittiwakes (IBA Canada, 2016). Over 140,000 and 20,000 pairs of thick-billed murres and black-legged kittiwakes nest here, representing more than 10% of the Canadian population for these species (Latour et al., 2008). The ice floes in this area also provide critical foraging and staging habitat for seabirds.

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6.4.1.4 South Bylot Island South Bylot Island (~25 km from the Study Area) is a major breeding ground for 10% of the population of greater snow geese (Latour et al., 2008). This area also provides breeding habitat for other species that are common on the island including Lapland longspur (Calcarius lapponicus), American golden plover (Pluvialis dominica), Baird’s sandpiper (Calidris bairdii), long-tailed jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus), snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis), horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), American pipit (Anthus rubescens) and snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus). Other species breeding here including red-throated loons (Gavia stellata), long-tailed ducks, king eiders (Someteria spectabilis), and shorebirds, but populations for these species have not been counted (Latour et al., 2008).

6.4.1.5 Lancaster Sound Polynya Lancaster Sound polynya (~120 km from the Study Area), supports a large number of migrant dovekies (Alle alle) that arrive in mid-May to feed before moving on to their breeding grounds in Greenland (IBA Canada, 2016). In 1976, estimates placed the number of dovekies at 1.5 million; in 1978, the estimate was 6 million to 14 million dovekies (IBA Canada, 2016).

6.4.2 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBS) Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, ECCC through the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) can establish Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBS) on federal, provincial/territorial, or private land to protect terrestrial and marine habitat and provide safe refuge for migratory birds (ECCC, 2016e). Once established, hunting of a listed species is not permitted, and rules and prohibitions are established with respect to taking, injuring, destruction, and molestation of migratory birds, their nests, or eggs. As previously discussed, only one MBS is located in vicinity of Pond Inlet (Figure 5-4). The Bylot Island MBS was created in 1965 to protect and conserve migratory birds in addition to the rich wildlife and diverse habitats found here (ECCC, 2016e). The entire Island plus 3.2 km extending out from the shore are protected as part of the MBS. The MBS protects prime nesting habitat, such as on Cape Hay and Cape Graham Moore where steep cliffs provide habitat for seabirds (i.e. 10% of Canadian population of thick-billed murres; 25% of Canadian population of black-legged kittiwakes, ECCC, 2016e). In addition, habitat for songbirds, waders and waterfowl (e.g. 15% of entire population of greater snow geese) is found on the Island (ECCC, 2016e). In total, 71 species have occurrences here with 35 breeding species and six permanent residents (ECCC, 2016e). The nearby Lancaster Sound Polynya provides valuable foraging habitat for tens of thousands of seabirds. Most of the terrestrial portion of the MBS has been included within the Sirmilik National Park which was established in 2001.

6.4.3 Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSA) are designated by government using criteria set out by, and facilitated by, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP) (Convention on Biological Diversity, 2017). EBSAs support healthy, functioning oceans and are designated as such for their (Convention on Biological Diversity, 2017):

. Uniqueness or rarity . Special importance for species’ life history . Important for at-risk species and habitats . Vulnerability, fragility, sensitivity, or slow recovery

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. Biological productivity and diversity . Naturalness No EBSAs near the Study Area are listed by the Convention on Biological Diversity (2017). That said, DFO is authorized to provide enhancement management to EBSA of oceans and coasts. In 2011, DFO identified a number of EBSAs that serve to develop an ecosystem-based management approach to managing the marine environment and establishment of marine protected areas (MPA) under the Oceans Act (DFO, 2011). The EBSAs identified by DFO were based on a number of criteria, including productivity, ice and benthic features, migration routes, and seabird colony foraging radii (DFO, 2011). The DFO EBSA near Pond Inlet includes the Eclipse Sound / Navy Board Inlet EBSA and the Lancaster sound EBSA. The Eclipse Sound /Navy Board Inlet EBSA has been identified as important for seabird staging (among others) (DFO, 2011) (Figure 5-4). Similarly, Lancaster Sound has been identified for its polynyas and sea-ice edges (DFO, 2011) (Figure 5-4). This area supports over 1,000,000 marine birds for foraging and nesting (DFO, 2011) and characteristics include high biological productivity, feeding and foraging habitat, breeding grounds, migration corridors, seabird concentrations, and presence of at-risk species (DFO, 2011).

6.4.4 Marine Protected Areas and National Marine Conservation Areas Under the Oceans Act, DFO is committed (both nationally and internationally) to protect marine environments (DFO, 2016b). Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are located on the coast or seaward of the coastline, situated partly or wholly in a marine environment (including intertidal and subtidal ocean, saltmarsh, estuaries, or the Great Lakes) and consistent with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) definition: ‘a clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated, and managed through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values’ (DFO, 2016b). These MPAs allow for a variety of protective and management measures (DFO, 2016b); the focus of which is to conserve and protect marine species, habitats and ecosystems (DFO, 2016a). No MPAs are close to the Study and Field Survey Areas. However, the marine environment surrounding Bylot Island is considered to be an MPA (ECCC, 2016c). Similar to MPAs, Parks Canada has a mandate to establish National Marine Conservation Areas which are MPAs that protect and conserve representative natural and cultural marine heritage, yet provide opportunities for public education and enjoyment (ECCC, 2016c). No National Marine Conservation Areas are located in Proximity to the Study Area (ECCC, 2016c), however a study currently is being conducted to determine the feasibility of creating the first Arctic MPA in Lancaster Sound (Parks Canada, 2016) (Figure 5-4).

6.4.5 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit The information relating to migratory and marine birds that was relayed during interviews includes (Figure 2-1):

. An important geese hunting area is just over 2 km south from the Study Area (Matthias Kaunak pers. comm. November 2016). . Bird nests have not been seen in the Study Area (Matthias Kaunak pers. comm. November 2016). . Ravens, Arctic tern, snow bunting, and other little birds are found in the area (Matthias Kaunak pers. comm. November 2016). . Ravens are present all winter (Matthias Kaunak pers. comm. November 2016).

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. Birds nest in a rocky area southwest of the Airport, just over 2 km from the Study Area (Matthias Kaunak pers. comm. November 2016). . Seabirds occur in the area in June, July and August catching cod (IQ Workshop: March 2017: Elijah Panipakoochoo). . Snowbunting are observed over rocky areas (IQ Workshop: March 2017: Sheattie Tagak). In previous consultations with Inuit Elders regarding climate change, knowledge regarding changes to migratory and marine birds was relayed to interviewers (Nunavut Arctic College Media, 2016). Canada geese, snow geese, and sandhill cranes have increased; whereas there are fewer small birds (Nunavut Arctic College Media, 2016). Similarly, there used to be more snowy owls, which nest near the snow geese; however, at the time of the interviews, these had not been seen for five years (Nunavut Arctic College Media, 2016). A number of nearby sites have been identified previously as gull nesting areas: for instance Mt. Herodier, near Beloeil Island (~17 km from Study Area), Cape Graham Moore (> 60 km from Study Area), Emmerson Island, and White Bay (at confluence of Tay Sound and Paquet Bay), both over 40 km from the Study Area (Inuit Heritage Trust Incorporated, 2005). Further, between Eqeperiaqtalik and Tunulaqtalik Points, which is over 20 km from the Study Area, two raven nests or roosts have been identified previously (Inuit Heritage Trust Incorporated, 2005). Results of IQ interviews during the Baffinland Project revealed that Bylot Island and Admiralty Inlet are important bird nesting areas. Areas south of the Hamlet to Oliver Sound, including Utsuk Lake (~13 km from the Study Area) are important duck and geese nesting, raptor nesting, and sea bird nesting locations. Important raptor nesting habitat occurs on the coast from Beloeil Island to Erik Harbour (~17 km from the Study Area). A review of the Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study (Priest and Usher, 2004), revealed that several bird species and their eggs are harvested by hunters in the Hamlet (Table 6-1). The species most harvested are thick-billed murre eggs, goose eggs, ptarmigan (Lagopus muta), and snow geese. Community discussion and feedback on the result of the hunter survey revealed that in the last year reported, ice conditions prevented hunters from accessing thick-billed murre eggs so the estimate may be low (Priest and Usher, 2004). Location data for harvested birds were not collected for most species. Hunters in the Hamlet hunt both common eiders (S. mollissima) and king eiders and information on the location of harvests for these species was collected. Although no birds were taken near the Study and Field Survey Areas, much of Eclipse Sound is used for hunting (Figure 6-1).

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Table 6-1 List of Species Harvested by Hunters from the Pond Inlet and their Mean Number Harvested Per Year (1996-2001; Source: Priest and Usher 2004)

Common Name Scientific Name Mean Number Harvested Per Year

Greater White-Fronted Goose Anser albifrons 11

Snow Goose Chen caerulescens 536

Canada Goose Branta Canadensis 3

Brant Branta bernicla <1

Goose Eggs - 1,494

Duck Eggs - 1

Long-Tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis <1

Red-Breasted Merganser Mergus serrator <1

Ptarmigan Lagopus spp. 926

Red-Throated Loon Gavis stellate 1

Eiders Somateria spp. 30

Sandhill Crane Antigone Canadensis 2

Black Guillemot Cepphus grille 2

Thick-Billed Murre Uria lomvia 3

Thick-Billed Murre Eggs - 2,601

Seagull Eggs - 2

Source: (Priest and Usher, 2004)

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Site Location Pond Inlet USER NAME: yao.mo NAME: USER OFFICE: BURNABY GIS ISSUING

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B SHEET CUSTOMER: Legend 0 10 20 40 Harvested Eider or Eider Egg Location Kilometres ± DATE: 03/05/2017 DRAWN: Y.M. POND INLET MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE EDITED: Y.M. BASELINE REPORT HARVESTED EIDER LOCATIONS (1998 - 2001) APPROVED: M.M. Note: "This drawing is prepared for the use of our customer as WORLEYPARSONS PROJECT No: FIG No: REV Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 18N specified in the accompanying report. WorleyParsons Canada Ltd. assumes no liability to any other party for any representations 307071-01148 6-1 0 contained in this drawing." PLOT DATE & TIME: 28/04/2017 8:44:18 AM 28/04/2017 & TIME: 8:44:18 DATE PLOT AM 28/04/2017 & TIME: 8:44:18 DATE SAVE FILE LOCATION: U:\YVR\307071\01148_GON_NVMarInfra\10_Eng\16_Geomatics\01_Mxd\Baseline_Report\PI_Terrestrial_Baseline\2017-04-28_PI_Harvested_Eider_Rev0.mxd LOCATION: FILE Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Government of Nunavut Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report

6.4.6 Habitat Value A full description of the vegetation communities is provided in Section 4.5.2.

6.4.6.1 Study Area In general, habitat in the Study Area is of limited value to migratory and marine birds. Human development in the Hamlet extends to the edge of Eclipse Sound. The beach is developed and has structures and boats along its length. Moreover, teams of dogs were tied up along its length. According to LePage et al. (1998) nesting birds in town frequent the sewage and garbage dumps in addition to the seepage slopes below houses. Species breeding in the Study Area are likely those that nest on bare ground and gravelly areas (e.g. snow buntings) and are relatively tolerant of human disturbance (e.g. common raven [Corvus corax]). However, human use and dogs likely discourage birds from nesting. At low tide, the intertidal zone provides foraging opportunities, but only for those species tolerant of human activity. Consequently, the value of these habitats is likely low given disturbance and human activity. Previous studies have indicated large congregations of marine birds foraging at floe edges in spring and summer (Renaud et al., 1981; Gilchrist and Robertson, 2000). Open water at ice edges is critical foraging habitat for marine birds. Not only are ice edges rich and abundant with food resources, but the open water allows access to food, particularly in winter (Gilchrist and Robertson, 2000). At floe edges and polynyas, eiders, king eiders, and long-tailed ducks forage in large numbers, as do other marine birds such as common merganser (Mergus merganser), black guillemot, and glaucous gull (Gilchrist and Robertson, 2000). Birds not typically associated with the marine environment, such as common raven and snowy owls, often can be observed along land-fast ice edges (Gilchrist and Robertson, 2000). An ice edge occurs at the east end of Pond Inlet where land-fast ice meets the pack ice of Baffin Bay (Renaud et al., 1981). This ice edge approaches the Study Area as summer progresses. In April and May, when open water increases, northern fulmar, thick-billed murre, black guillemot, black-legged kittiwakes, and glaucous gulls forage in large numbers (Renaud et al., 1981). By early-May to early-July the floe edge is near Cape Graham Moore (Renaud et al., 1981) which is approximately 60 km from the Study Area. In the Study Area, ice breaks up in July and early-August and by mid-July to mid-August, the floe edge approaches Pond Inlet (Renaud et al., 1981). Marine birds that use the floe edge as an important foraging area are likely to approach the Hamlet (Renaud et al., 1981) and thus the Study Area in large congregations during the open water season. This open-water season lasts between August and October (Renaud et al., 1981). Consequently, the importance of the Study Area as foraging habitat increasing as summer progresses, reaching maximum value from between mid-July and October.

6.4.6.2 Field Survey Area Nesting habitat available for migratory and marine birds in proximity to the Field Survey Area is more natural and holds relatively more value than the Study Area. Whitewash in the Field Survey Area and cast pellets in the south indicate the prominent boulders are being used as perches (Reid et al., 2011), likely by a raptor (hawk or falcon) or corvid (common raven). Given the timing of the field reconnaissance, the species using the perches could not be confirmed, but it likely is used by a rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus) such as the one observed in town, or snowy owls. IQ indicates they are in the area where cast pellets were found. Rough- legged hawks are considered a rare visitor and it is unknown whether they breed in the area (Renaud et al., 1981). Other species such as falcons could be using these perches: peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) are

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rare visitors and unknown to breed in the area, whereas gyrfalcons (F. rusticolus) are known to breed in the area but are rare. According to Renaud et al. (1981), who collated records and make observations about breeding habitat in the Pond Inlet Region, well-vegetated (vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens) lowland tundra supports a rich number of nesting birds including long-tailed jaeger, American golden plover, Baird’s sandpiper, and Lapland longspur. Similarly, species rich habitats were tussocky, graminoid tundra within wetland complexes at the mouth of Salmon River where red-throated loons, snow goose, long-tailed duck, and red phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius) nest. The Salmon River itself is used by Thayer’s gull (Larus thayeri), glaucous gull, loons, and mergansers (Renaud et al., 1981). Following breakup in August and September, shorebirds and American pipits use the Salmon Creek and Salmon River extensively (Renaud et al., 1981). Seepage areas on the lee sides of hills that create abundant graminoid communities are used by nesting white-rumped sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) and pectoral sandpipers (C. melanotos) (Renaud et al., 1981). Generally, suitable landbird habitat on Baffin Island is present between the Hamlet and Utuk Lake in the Mala River Region (LePage et al., 1998), coinciding with IQ information. Generally, it is the wet meadow dominated by sedges and grasses, and ponds that provide habitat for the most species (LePage et al., 1998). Areas less diverse in the Pond Inlet region include shrub communities on moist sites that do not appear to support any characteristic bird species (Renaud et al., 1981). Likewise, the area northeast of the Hamlet where the quarry is proposed is steep and rocky, and few birds nest here except for glaucous gulls and snow buntings (Renaud et al., 1981).

6.4.7 Migratory and Marine Birds In total, 74 species of birds are confirmed for the region, of which 47 are confirmed breeders on Bylot Island and adjacent Baffin Island (LePage et al., 1998) (Table 6-2). Given the number of species found here, it is one of the most diverse bird communities in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Of the 47 confirmed breeders, four are considered to be likely to nest in the Study Area because of the habitat available, with six more species considered to have low likelihood of nesting and one species with a moderate likelihood of nesting (Table 6-2). In addition to the species that could nest, 28 species of marine birds that normally nest elsewhere may use the Study Area for foraging in nearshore or tidal environments during breeding, migration, or wintering (Table 6-3). Of these species confirmed in the region, seven species at risk have occurrence records in the Hamlet. Red knots, federally-listed as Special Concern (Islandica subspecies) and endangered (Rufa subspecies) (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016b), have been observed within the Hamlet. Three checklists with observations between June 3 and 6, 2014 recorded flocks ranging in size between 30 and 95 individuals (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2017). Further, numerous checklists have recordings of red knot along the southwestern coast of Bylot Island (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2017). Ivory gulls, federally-listed as Endangered (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016b), have also been recorded in the Hamlet and frequently in the surrounding area (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2017). In October of 1979, 375 ivory gulls were observed in the Hamlet feeding on ringed seal offal (Renaud and McLaren, 1982). Typically ivory gulls are most common in September and October when they are migrating to offshore wintering habitats (Renaud and McLaren, 1982). The closest observations (other than town) to the Study Area were at the floe edge off Cape Graham Moore on Bylot Island and in Lancaster Sound (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2017). These occurrences are as recent as summer 2015 and fall 2013 and 2014 (IBA Canada, 2016), but observations were low (about 2 to 6 individuals).Ivory gulls commonly flock at the floe edge in late May and early July where they feed on mammal carcasses (Renaud and McLaren, 1982). Larger numbers (between 19 and 75) of ivory gulls have been noted in the Southwest Bylot IBA in

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autumn of 2013 and summer of 1994. Similarly, three have been reported in the fall of 2013 in the Cape Hay IBA (IBA Canada, 2016). Ross’s gulls (Rhodostethia rosea), federally-listed as Threatened (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016b), have been recorded west of the Hamlet on Cape Cranford and at the floe edge south of Cape Graham Moore (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2017) and in the Southwest Bylot IBA in 1979 (IBA Canada, 2016). Peregrine falcons (federally-listed as Special Concern, Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016b), have been identified in checklists for the Pond Inlet and Bylot Island (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2017). In August of 1993 and July 2009, observers recorded two nests east of the Hamlet on Eclipse Sound, and in August of 1993 one was observed across from the Hamlet on Bylot Island (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2017). More checklists report peregrine falcon on the southwest coast of Bylot Island and around Cape Graham Moore (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2017). Other species such as buff-breasted sandpipers (Tryngites subruficollis; Special Concern), red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus; Special Concern), and short-eared owls (Asio flammeus; Special Concern) have occurrence and breeding records on the southwest coast of Bylot Island (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016b; Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2017). Bird presence was sparse during the vegetation mapping and habitat assessment; however, given the assessment took place in late-September, such observations are to be expected, as it occurred at a time when most birds have initiated migration (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2016b). Common ravens and unidentified gulls (Larus spp.) were observed during vegetation mapping and habitat assessment. During the field reconnaissance, one rough-legged hawk was observed to be perched under the pilings of a building near the beach adjacent to the proposed small-craft harbour (Photo 6-1; Figure 6-2). Similarly, an American pipit was observed foraging along the beach. In the Field Survey Area (Photo 6-1; Figure 6-2), whitewash was noted on two prominent boulders. To the south of this area, two cast pellets were observed (Photo 6-2; Figure 6-2). However, given the variability in pellet size which can vary depending on diet and species (rough-legged hawk, snowy owl, common raven, gyrfalcon, etc.) they were not identified in the field (Elbroch and Marks, 2001).

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Table 6-2 List of Birds Confirmed to Breed on Bylot Island and Adjacent Baffin Island and their Likelihood to Breed in the Field Survey Area

Nesting Common Name Scientific Name Breeding Habitat1 Likelihood2

Colonial near freshwater (ponds, lakes, streams, and braided deltas) often Snow Goose Chen caerulescens in wet meadows but also undulating terrain, exposed slopes, or cliff Not Likely edges

Brant Branta bernicla Colonial near salt marshes, estuaries, and deltas Not Likely

Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii Variety of low Arctic regions with open view and adjacent to permanent Not Likely freshwater (ponds, lakes, streams, marshes, and muskeg)

Canada goose Branta canadensis Broad range of habitats but often adjacent to freshwater No Likely

Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus Tundra lakes, ponds, and coastal deltas Not Likely

Variety of tundra habitats but often on dry and well-drained in King Eider Somateria spectabilis Not Likely vegetation adjacent to freshwater

Common Eider Somateria mollissima Local colonies along marine coasts, islands, and islets Not Likely

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Wetlands or offshore islands with freshwater Not Likely

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Coastal near fresh, brackish or saltwater wetlands in sheltered bays Not Likely

Well-drained, hummocky tundra with rocky ridges; outcrops and Rock Ptarmigan Lagopus muta Low mixed vegetation

Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata Wetlands Not Likely

Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica Freshwater lakes Not Likely

Common Loon3 Gavia immer Large lakes Not Likely

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Nesting Common Name Scientific Name Breeding Habitat1 Likelihood2

Rough-legged Hawk3 Buteo lagopus Open tundra including rocky outcrops, escarpments, and cliffs Low1

Sandhill Crane Antigone canadensis Eskers dominated by lichens Not Likely

Lowlands in coastal areas and on open, dry, heath tundra, dwarf Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola Low shrub meadows, and dry exposed ridges, river banks, and beaches

American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Elevated on sparse, low vegetation, well-drained rocky slopes Low

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Accidental to area, breeds in Arctic Eurasia Not Likely

Marshy slopes and flats near freshwater (marshes, streams, ponds) or Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Not Likely tidal flats and beaches

Red Knot Calidris canutus Sparsely vegetated, dry, elevated tundra on ridges or slopes with Low low shrub cover

Sanderling Calidris alba Islands, peninsulas, and coastal tundra with well-vegetated moist to well- Not Likely drained slopes, ridges, and alluvial plains

Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima Inland on mossy tundra, heath, and moorlands but also low tundra near Not Likely shores on gravel-sand beaches along rivers

Dry, well-drained coastal and upland exposed tundra. Beach ridges, Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Low terrace banks, bare soil with sparse vegetation

White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis Well-vegetated, wet, meadows and low-lying areas near water Not Likely

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Flat, marshy tundra dominated by sedges and grasses Not Likely

Coastal, poorly-drained, hummocky, level terrain on tundra dominated by Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Not Likely sedges

Pelagic bird that nests irregularly in low-lying marshy tundra near small Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus Not Likely lakes

Pelagic bird that nests on low-lying marshy tundra and dry, tussock- Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus Not Likely heath

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Nesting Common Name Scientific Name Breeding Habitat1 Likelihood2

Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus Tundra far from sea Not Likely

Thick-billed Murre Uria lomvia Large colonies on cliff ledges near deep, offshore waters and land fast ice Not Likely

Black Guillemot Cepphus grille Colonies on rocky marine coasts of off-shore islands near shallow water Not Likely

Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Colonies on cliff ledges of off-shore islands or inaccessible mainland Not Likely

Moist tundra near fresh water (ponds and lakes), low-lying sea coasts and Sabine’s Gull Xema sabini Not Likely coastal islands

Thayer’s Gull Larus thayeri Colonies on steep cliffs Not Likely

Often in mixed colonies on marine and freshwater coasts, tundra, islands, Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus Not Likely cliffs, shorelines, and ice edges

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Temperate and Boreal Latitudes Not Likely

Open country, close to water, no vegetation or low and sparse cover; Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Not Likely rocky, gravelly islands, barrier beaches and spits, gravel moraines

Snowy Owl3 Bubo scandiacus Variety of tundra environments on distinct promontories Moderate

Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus Rocky outcrops, cliffs, and seacoasts Not Likely

Common Raven Corvus corax Habitat generalist; often on cliffs, trees, and human structures Likely

Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris Open habitat on bare ground or short grasses Likely

Dry, elevated rubble, rocky fields, stony hilltops, and precipices of Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Likely rocky coasts

Mesic vegetation along streams, grassy meadows, and dry, dwarf shrub American Pipit Anthus rubescens Not Likely matts

Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus Wet, hummocky meadows; avoids rocky and bare terrain Not Likely

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Nesting Common Name Scientific Name Breeding Habitat1 Likelihood2

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Rocky areas and boulder screes near vegetated tundra Likely

Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea Dry, rocky or damp substrates on dry heaths or rocky slopes Low

Hoary Redpoll Acanthis hornemanni Similar to common redpoll but near dwarf or creeping shrubs Low

Source: (LePage et al., 1998) Notes: 1 Breeding habitat and nesting information from Birds of North America. (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2016b) 2 Likelihood of nesting within Study Area was based upon a qualitative assessment of results of the ecological land classification and habitat assessment and potential for the habitat to provide suitable nesting requirements. Similarly, other factors such as breeding range, location of known colonies, etc. were incorporated. Likely: the Study Area is located within the breeding range and the majority of available habitat provides preferred or suitable nesting habitat; Moderate: the Study Area is located within the breeding range and some of the available habitat may provide suitable nesting habitat; Low: the Study Area is located within the breeding range and some of the available habitat may provide marginal nesting habitat; Not Likely: the Study Area is located outside of the breeding range or outside of known colonies (or the species is colonial and such a colony would likely be known to locals given its proximity to the Hamlet), and available habitat is generally not suitable for nesting. 3 Species are listed by the COSEWIC)as Not at Risk (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016b) and are not listed under the Species at Risk Act (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016b). 4 Species is listed by COSEWIC (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016b) as Special Concern but are not listed under the Species at Risk Act

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Table 6-3 List of Marine Birds with their preferred foraging strategy and habitat with Potential to Occupy (based on season use) Marine Habitats near the Study Area.

Foraging Foraging Common name Scientific Name Period of Use Method Habitat

King Eider Somateria spectabilis Molluscivore Nearshore Breeding, Migration, Overwinter

Common Eider Somateria mollissima Molluscivore Nearshore Breeding, Migration, Overwinter

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Crustaceavore Nearshore Breeding, Migration, Overwinter

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Piscivore Pursuit Diver Breeding and Migration

Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata Piscivore Marine Coast Breeding and Migration

Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica Piscivore Marine Coast Breeding and Migration

Common Loon Gavia immer Piscivore Marine Coast Breeding and Migration

Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii Piscivore Marine Coast Breeding and Migration

Northern Fulmar Fulmaris glacialis Piscivore Offshore Breeding, Migration, Overwinter

Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Crustaceavore Nearshore Breeding and Migration

Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus General Predator Offshore Migration and Overwinter

Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus General Predator Offshore Migration and Overwinter

Long-tailed Jaeger Stercoracrius longicaudus General Predator Offshore Migration and Overwinter

Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla General Predator Nearshore Breeding and Migration

Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnean General Predator Nearshore Breeding, Migration, and Overwinter

Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea Scavenger Nearshore Breeding and Migration

Sabine’s Gull Xema sabini Scavenger Nearshore Breeding and Migration

Mew Gull Larus canus Scavenger Nearshore Migration

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Foraging Foraging Common name Scientific Name Period of Use Method Habitat

Herring Hull Larus argentatus General Predator Nearshore Breeding and Migration

Thayer’s Gull Larus thayeri General Predator Marine Coast Breeding and Migration

Iceland Gull Larus glacucoides General Predator Nearshore Migration

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus General Predator Nearshore Breeding and Migration

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus General Predator Nearshore Breeding and Migration

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Piscivore Nearshore Breeding and Migration

Dovekie Alle alle Piscivore Offshore Breeding, Migration, and Overwinter

Thick-billed Murre Uria lomvia Piscivore Offshore Breeding, Migration, and Overwinter

Black Guillemot Cepphus grille Piscivore Nearshore Breeding, Migration, and Overwinter

Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica Piscivore Offshore Breeding, Migration, and Overwinter

Source: Mallory and Fontaine (2004); Cornell Lab of Ornithology (2017)

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Photo 6-1 Top: Rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus) observed under building pilings adjacent to the beach near the Study Area; Bottom: American pipit (Anthus rubsescens) foraging along the beach near Study Area

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Photo 6-2 Top: Whitewash on prominent boulders within the Field Survey Area indicating potential perching sites; Bottom: cast pellet observed near the Field Survey Area

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Pond Inlet 8069500

American Pipit(! (!Rough-legged Hawk 72°42'0"N 8069000

(! Whitewash 8068500

(!Whitewash 72°41'30"N 8068000

Pellet (! (! Pellet 8067500 72°41'0"N 8067000 USER NAME: yao.mo NAME: USER OFFICE: BURNABY GIS ISSUING

78°0'30"W 78°0'0"W 77°59'30"W 77°59'0"W 77°58'30"W 77°58'0"W 77°57'30"W 77°57'0"W 77°56'30"W 77°56'0"W 77°55'30"W 77°55'0"W 77°54'30"W 77°54'0"W 77°53'30"W 77°53'0"W 77°52'30"W 77°52'0"W 77°51'30"W 77°51'0"W 77°50'30"W

B SHEET CUSTOMER: Legend 0 150 300 600 (! Wildlife Point Metres ± DATE: 05/05/2017 SCH Study Area POND INLET MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE DRAWN: Y.M. Field Survey Area/Quarry Study Area BASELINE REPORT EDITED: Y.M. MIGRATORY AND MARINE BIRDS AND FEATURES OBSERVED OR DETECTED DURING THE Note: APPROVED: M.M. WILDLIFE FIELD RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY - Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 18N "This drawing is prepared for the use of our customer as WORLEYPARSONS PROJECT No: FIG No: REV - Aerial Photo from Google Earth, 2010. Its location specified in the accompanying report. WorleyParsons Canada Ltd. is approximate assumes no liability to any other party for any representations 307071-01148 6-2 0 contained in this drawing." PLOT DATE & TIME: 01/05/2017 & PMTIME: 1:05:58 DATE PLOT 01/05/2017 & PMTIME: 1:05:58 DATE SAVE FILE LOCATION: U:\YVR\307071\01148_GON_NVMarInfra\10_Eng\16_Geomatics\01_Mxd\Baseline_Report\PI_Terrestrial_Baseline\2017-04-28_PI_Wildlife_Features_Field_Reconnaissance_Rev0.mxd LOCATION: FILE Service Layer Credits: Government of Nunavut Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report

6.5 Discussion

6.5.1 Migratory Birds Relatively few (11) of the 47 species that are confirmed to breed in the Hamlet have some likelihood of nesting in the Field Survey Area. Given the sparse vegetation community and the preponderance of bedrock, species likely to breed within the Field Survey Area are those that nest on the ground with very little vegetation cover. Therefore, based on habitat requirements, only five are likely to nest because the available habitat meets preferred habitat: rock ptarmigan, common raven, horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), northern wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), and snow bunting. Because of human (and dog) activity along the beach near the proposed SCH, few birds are expected to nest in the Study Area. According to ECCC, the nesting season for Pond Inlet (N10: Arctic Plains and Mountains, Bird Conservation Region 3) is between late-May and mid-August (ECCC, 2016a). It should be noted these are estimated breeding dates and that the exact timing can vary according to the species occurrence, climate, elevation, and habitat type. Timing could also vary according to micro-sites or factors such as early or late spring (ECCC, 2016a). Because of natural variability in nesting, the timing could vary by up to ten days; moreover, the period above does not include a nest building phase which generally is initiated two weeks prior (ECCC, 2016a).

6.5.2 Marine Birds The majority of marine birds that have historical occurrences or whose range overlaps are unlikely to nest in terrestrial environments in the Field Survey Area. Most of these birds nest in large colonies on remote, precipitous cliffs and remote islands that are inaccessible to predators (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2016a, 2016b). Although not breeding, 28 species of marine birds could potentially use inter-tidal, marine coast and nearshore habitats in the Study Area for foraging. The use of this habitat tends to peak between mid-July and October (Renaud et al., 1981) during ice free periods at the Hamlet. This creates a productive foraging area which contributes to high bird diversity (LePage et al., 1998). In the late 1970s, Bradstreet (1982) found that 17 species of birds used the area near Pond Inlet for foraging: thick-billed murres, northern fulmars, and black-legged kittiwakes being the most abundant; black guillemots were common as were glaucous, Thayer’s, and ivory gulls.

6.5.3 Species at Risk

6.5.3.1 Ivory Gull Ivory gulls breed where the ocean is free (or partly free) of ice in late-May and early-June: the Field Survey Area therefore does not support breeding and nesting habitat. However, given the proximity to ice edge and availability of food for scavenging, including historical observations, it is likely ivory gulls forage near the Hamlet, particularly in the fall during migration.

6.5.3.2 Peregrine Falcon The likelihood of peregrine falcon being within the Field Survey Area is relatively low compared with other species at risk. Habitat capable of supporting this species (cliffs with open gulfs of air) is not within Field Survey Area.

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6.5.3.3 Short-eared Owl Short-eared owls breeding range is restricted to low-Arctic areas. Baffin Island is outside the published breeding range for this species (COSEWIC, 2008b). Recent reports of short-eared owls on Bylot Island suggest this species may have expanded their breeding range (Maftei et al., 2012). Until 2008 and 2009, short-eared owls were not known in the area (LePage et al., 1998; Renaud et al., 1981) until a pair of were presumed to be breeding on Bylot Island (Therrien, 2010). It is believed short-eared owls may be expanding range due to climate change or as a result of irruptive behaviour due to abundant small mammals (Therrien, 2010). Short- eared owls breed on coastal tundra and estuaries in dense vegetation (COSEWIC, 2008b); given the lack of dense vegetation in the Field Survey Area this species is not expected.

6.5.3.4 Red Knot Three subspecies of red knot (Calidris canutus) are considered to be at-risk in Canada: rufa (Endangered), roselaari (Threatened), and islandica (Special Concern). The islandica subspecies is the most likely to overlap the Field Survey Area. Red knots breed on windswept ridges, slopes, and plateaus with sparse (<5%) vegetation cover, often on south-facing sites in proximity to freshwater such as wetlands and lakes (COSEWIC, 2007a). Given that this habitat type is not present, this species is unlikely to nest in the Field Survey Area.

6.5.3.5 Red-necked Phalarope Although red-necked phalarope have been recorded in the Pond Inlet and Bylot Island area, they are not known to breed (LePage et al., 1998). Red-necked phalarope typically breed in low-Arctic tundra near freshwater (e.g. ponds, lakes, and streams) in vegetation dominated by graminoids (COSEWIC, 2014b). The Hamlet is generally not considered within breeding range (COSEWIC, 2014b) and this species is considered an accidental visitor to the region (LePage et al., 1998). Despite recent breeding records on the southwest coast of Bylot Island, breeding in the region can be considered rare. The Hamlet is at the margins of the breeding range for this species and no suitable breeding habitat exists. Consequently it is unlikely red-necked phalaropes will be found in the Field Survey Area.

6.5.3.6 Ross’s Gull Ross’s gulls are distributed across the Arctic, but breed primarily in Siberia and overwinter in the Bering Sea (COSEWIC, 2007b). They may nest in a wide variety of habitats including marshy tundra and gravel reefs but always close to water (COSEWIC, 2007b). The Field Survey Area does not support their preferred nesting habitat, though it is possible this species may occasionally be observed within the Study Area as it is known to be a rare visitor (LePage et al., 1998).

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7 Archaeology

7.1 Program Objectives The objective of the archaeological study is to inventory archaeological sites within the terrestrial portion of the Study Area, and to assess possible effects of the Project on archaeological resources. Palaeontological sites are also included in this section as they are governed and managed under the same legislation.

7.2 Desktop Study and Literature Review To support the assessment of the existing condition of archaeological resources, a desktop review was undertaken of existing knowledge of archaeological resources and available IQ to assess landforms for their heritage resource potential. A Nunavut Archaeological Site Data Licence Request was submitted on September 26, 2016 to the Department of Culture and Heritage, GN for information on previously recorded sites within 25 km of the Project sites. Available relevant archaeological reports and studies and published academic articles were also reviewed. Data collected during the desktop study and literature review is being used to inform future field studies planned for summer of 2017 (methods described below).

7.2.1 Traditional Knowledge IQ collected as part of the public consultation for the Project has been incorporated into the desktop overview. Results relevant to archaeology include the identification of graves and sod houses just southwest of the Hamlet. A review of publically available IQ data from other projects also indicates burials and archaeology sites in and around the Hamlet. This information will also be used to inform the planned field program 2017. The field program will include Hamlet community members as field assistants to participate in the identification and recording of archaeological sites. The results of the Archaeology Program will be presented to the community for comment as part of the consultation program.

7.2.2 Study Area The Archaeology Program focussed on the Field Survey Area and terrestrial portion of the Study Area as any direct or indirect Project effects on archaeology will result from ground disturbance. The Archeology Program also considered the type, amount and significance of heritage resource sites specific to the region, and therefore, an area extending 25 km from the Project also was considered.

7.3 Results As a result of the desktop study and literature review, the Project work areas are interpreted as having elevated potential to impinge on archaeological sites. The project could affect both previously unrecorded sites, as well as previously recorded sites that are reported to be adjacent to the Project. Impacts to known sites PeFr-1 and PeFr-5 may occur if these are not properly identified and avoided during Project construction. Based on the desktop review for archaeology, both for the Project and in the general Project area, and the available IQ, a preconstruction Archaeology Impact Assessment (AIA) is planned for the Project. The scope of the AIA will include the examination of all areas of new construction including the quarry site and any new roads and/or any planned upgrades to existing roads that will be used. The AIA will also assess the

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relationship between the Project and previously recorded sites PeFr-1 and PeFr-5 (Figure 2-1). These results and plans for further study are included in an Archaeological Overview Assessment (AOA) for the Project that will be submitted to the Territorial Archaeologist at the Department of Culture and Heritage for review.

7.4 Fieldwork Methods All archaeological fieldwork requires a valid Class I or Class II Nunavut Archaeologist Permit issued by the Department of Culture and Heritage, Government of Nunavut. The Archaeological Field Program will consist of the assessment of all areas of elevated archaeological potential within the Project footprint and a 30-m buffer. The purpose of a field investigation will be to identify archaeological materials, document location and content, and provide data to be used in the development of recommendations for mitigation or avoidance. Inventory and assessment techniques will follow established practices and will consist of the following:

. Visual examination of the Field Survey Area to determine the presence of surficial features such as stone cache pits, house or tent rings, standing or collapsed buildings, and exposed Pre-contact cultural materials such as stone tool making debris and tools. . Visual examination of bedrock exposures or gravels for Pre-contact quarrying activity. . Excavation of shovel tests (ca. 40 x 40 cm) to varying depths to determine the potential for subsurface Pre-contact cultural remains if deposition is present. . Documentation of the location (GPS coordinates), nature, size, and complexity of each identified site. . Documentation of individual site features to record content, context, potential identity, and to provide information required to develop a mitigation program. All sites and related features that are recorded or revisited will be evaluated based on perceived heritage resource value and community cultural value. Community input plays an important role in evaluation of site value, and inclusion of members of the local community on a field crew will aid the in-field discussions regarding site significance. These results, along with updates and mitigation recommendations will be included in written submissions to the department of Culture and Heritage as required by the Permit to conduct the field work, and discussed with the Territorial Archaeologist of Nunavut.

7.4.1 Palaeontology Review of the database of significant palaeontological sites that the Canadian Museum of Nature maintains on behalf of the Territory of Nunavut did not result in any previously identified palaeontological sites in conflict with the proposed Iqaluit Marine Infrastructure Project. Based on review of the geology of the Project area, impacts to unrecorded significant paleontological sites are not anticipated.

7.5 Discussion The conclusion of the desktop study is that the Field Survey Area has the potential to contain as yet unrecorded archaeological resource sites. Several archaeological resource sites have also been recorded close to the Project. A field survey is planned for the summer of 2017 to explore the relationship between the sites and the Project.

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8 Socio-Economic

8.1 Program Objectives This socio-economic baseline provides an overview of the existing socio-economic environment of the Hamlet including the following topics: demographics, education, health and social services, community infrastructure, workforce and economic activity, transportation, and land and resource use. Its main objective is to focus on and describe the community’s socio-economic conditions that may interact with the Project. Consultation on the Project is ongoing, and further socio-economic information may be obtained that is not included in this baseline report. This additional information will be used to inform the design and planning for the Project and will be considered within the Part 4 Screening and other environmental permitting.

8.2 Study Sources Information for the baseline study was obtained from:

. Statistics Canada. . Nunavut Bureau of Statistics (2011). . The Hamlet of Pond Inlet’s Community Economic Development Plan (Hamlet of Pond Inlet, 2010). . The Qikiqtaaluk Socio-Economic Monitoring Committee (SEMC) Spring 2015 and 2016 Annual Reports (Government of Nunavut, 2015b, 2016d). . The Pond Inlet Hamlet Integrated Community Infrastructure Sustainability Plan Vol.1 and Vol. 2 (Government of Nunavut, 2011). Existing and relevant government and industry reports and websites for the area such as:

. Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation’s Socio-Economic Baseline Study, Mary River Project (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2012c). . Nunavut Adult Learning Strategy (Government of Nunavut & Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, 2006) . The Nunavut Planning Commission’s Summary of Community Meetings on the Draft Nunavut Land Use plan (NPC, 2013). . Nunavut tourism, etc. . Semi-structured interviews with the local Senior Administrative Officer (SAO), Community Planning & Lands Administration, Community Works, Fire Chief, Recreation officer, Bylaw officer, business owners, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the nurse in charge (conducted in November 2016) . Informal discussions with residents during the focused “shoreline residents” workshop (conducted in November 2016). . Group meetings with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) land, water and field inspection team members in Iqaluit. Local interpreters from the Hamlet, Titus Arnakallak and Abraham Kublu, were hired to facilitate discussions as required.

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8.3 Results: Socio-Economic Profile The Hamlet is also known as 'Mittimatalik', meaning the resting place of Mittima in Inuktitut, after an unknown elder presumed to be buried there. The community is located on the north eastern tip of Baffin Island overlooking Eclipse Sound and the mountains of Bylot Island, an MBS. Located at 77.98166667°, -72.6969444°, the Hamlet is 644 km above the Arctic Circle. The nearest communities are Arctic Bay to the west and Clyde River to the south.

8.3.1 Demographics

8.3.1.1 Population According to 2011 census data from Statistics Canada, the total population of the Hamlet was 1,550 (comprising 830 males and 720 females), representing an increase of 17.8% from 2006 (Statistics Canada, 2012). The population was young, with children aged 0 to 14 years representing over a third of the total population (35.2% or 545 individuals) and a median age of 22.5 for the total population. A breakdown of key population statistics provided by Statistics Canada for the Hamlet is presented in Table 8-1. The Nunavut Bureau of Statistics estimated the population of Pond Inlet as of July 1, 2016 to be 1663 (Nunavut Bureau of Statistics, 2016).

8.3.1.2 Aboriginal Identity The total aboriginal population (self-declared Inuit) was 1,490 or 96.1% of the total population according to 2011 census data (Table 8-1).

8.3.1.3 Educational Attainment and Language Table 8-1 shows that in 2011, of the total population 15 years and over in the Hamlet: 12.9% (130 individuals) were high school graduates (or equivalents); 6.9% (70 individuals) held apprenticeship or trades certificates; and, less than 4.5% (45 individuals) graduated from a University with a bachelor level degree or higher. Low levels of literacy and numeracy present a challenge to labour force development in the Hamlet and across Nunavut (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2012c). Often, the lack of child care in town also becomes an impediment to employment. For example, the management staff at the Co-Op and Northern retail stores report a high turnover of staff because workers tend to leave once they have children (Louise England, Co-op manager and Michelle Riley, Northern store manager pers. comm.). According to a GN report on adult learning in Nunavut, “…the largest group of adult learners in Nunavut needs programming that focuses on literacy, life skills, completion of high school or high school equivalency, adult basic education, and personal empowerment,” (Government of Nunavut & Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, 2006). Inuktitut is the prevalent language in the Hamlet, and is reported as the mother tongue for 90.6% of residents. Additionally, nearly one-in-two Inuit work in settings where Inuktitut is the language most often spoken (Statistics Canada, 2013). While Inuit culture and language remain strong in the Hamlet, they are “…increasingly under threat from southern cultural influences via modern communications technologies, reduced reliance on traditional foods and economic pursuits, the continued loss of Elders and traditional language speakers, and a growing disconnection between Elders and youth,” (Government of Nunavut, 2011).

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8.3.2 Housing and Accommodation The 2011 census reported the Hamlet having a total of 350 private dwellings, of which nearly one third (32.9%) were in need of major repairs (Statistics Canada, 2012). Additionally, the 2009/2010 Nunavut Housing Needs Survey reported that nearly half of dwellings in the Hamlet were overcrowded. According to the Pond Inlet’s Integrated Community Infrastructure Sustainability Plan (Government of Nunavut 2011), in 2011, the public housing waitlist continued to exceed the available units in the community. The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Annual report for 2015-2016 listed the Hamlet’s housing stock at 35-40% indicating a critical need for housing (Nunavut Housing Corporation, 2016). The Hamlet has a high percentage of units built in the 1960s and 70s that have been renovated; however, residents feel that these units should be replaced with new homes with better insulation and ventilation (Government of Nunavut, 2011). Accommodation in the Hamlet is limited and currently is provided by the Sauniq Hotel (20 double rooms) and the Black Point Lodge (four single queen-sized rooms).

8.3.3 Labour Force and Economic Activity Table 8-2 presents the participation, employment, and unemployment rates of the total population in the Hamlet according to the 2011 Census (Statistics Canada, 2012). The unemployment rate was reported as 22.2%. According to Statistics Canada’s 2015 Annual Labour Force Update for Nunavut, although Inuit accounted for about 80% of the working-age population in Nunavut, on average they accounted for only 68% of the total employed individuals in the Territory that year. Inuit were less likely than non-Inuit to be in the labour force, with an employment rate of 44.9% for Inuit compared to 86.0% for non-Inuit (Statistics Canada, 2016). Median income reported for the total population (15 years and over with income) was $17,189 in 2010 with 18.1% of total income attributed to Government Transfers. The economy of the Hamlet is characterized by traditional subsistence activities (hunting, fishing, gathering, etc.) mixed with wage activities. The traditional economy continues to be vital to the Hamlet, and is an important component of life and wellbeing by providing in-kind income, country food, traditional medicines, and opportunities for commercial arts and crafts activities (Government of Nunavut, 2011; HTO manager pers. comm.) The largest employers in town are the Hamlet, the GN, and the Co-Op (which employs 72 full-time and part- time people within 14 business units) (Louise England, pers. comm, November 24, 2016). An understanding of how the current labour force in the Hamlet is allocated across various occupations can be gained from census data (Table 8-1). In 2011, workers reported being occupied in the following industries: mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, construction, retail trade, transportation and warehousing, real estate and rental and leasing, administrative and support, waste management and remediation services, educational services, health care and social assistance, arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodation and food services, and public administration. Three industries – educational services, public administration, and retail – collectively account for nearly two thirds (63.6%) of the total labour force activity in the Hamlet, with public administration accounting for just over one third (33.7%) (Statistics Canada, 2013). More recently, Baffinland’s Mary River iron ore mining project also has had an impact on the local economy. As of December 2015, 18 individuals from the Hamlet were employed with the mine (Government of Nunavut, 2016d). A local resident in the Hamlet noted at the annual SEMC meeting in July 2016 that: “Baffinland and the Mary River Project have certainly impacted the socio-economic environment in the Hamlet. The new money from [the projects] has been nice for those who are employed but not everyone is seeing those benefits. We feel that training efforts of our residents have been scaled back and those who have completed training, even the heavy equipment operator training, are not being offered full- time work.” (Government of Nunavut, 2016d).

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Table 8-1 Pond Inlet Demographics

Characteristic Total

Population

Population in 2011 1,500

Population in 2006 1,315

Median age of the population 22.5

Percent of the population <15 year of age 35%

Percent of the population >15 year of age 65%

Total population 15 years and over 1,005

Percent Population Change (from 2006) 17.8

Aboriginal Population

Total Aboriginal identify population 1,490

Inuit – single response 1,490

Non-Aboriginal identity population 60

Educational Attainment

Total population 15 years and over 1,005

High school certificate or equivalent 130

Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma 70

College; CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma 95

University certificate or diploma below the bachelor level 10

University certificate or degree 45

Labour force activity

Total population 15 years and over in the labour force: 540 Employed 420 Unemployed 120

Total population 15 years and over not in the labour force 475 Participation rate 53.5% Employment Rate 41.6% Unemployment Rate 22.2%

Income in 2010 Median Income ($) for total population 15 years and over with income $17,189

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Characteristic Total Composition of total income (100%) . Earnings – as a % of total income 100% . Government transfers – as a % of total income 18.1% . Market Income – as a % of total income 81.8%

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 Census. Profile and National Household Survey Profile, 2011 (Statistics Canada, 2012)

Table 8-2 Total Labour Force by Industry

National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2011 Total

0 Management occupations 30

1 Business; finance and administration occupations 65

2 Natural and applied sciences and related occupations 15

3 Health occupations 10

4 Occupations in education; law/social; community and government services 95

5 Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport 15

6 Sales and service occupations 135

7 Trades; transport and equipment operators and related occupations 110

8 Natural resources; agriculture and related production occupations 10

9 Occupations in manufacturing and utilities 0

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 Census (Statistics Canada, 2012)

8.3.4 Community Infrastructure and Services

8.3.4.1 Utilities and Communications The Hamlet is responsible for water, sewage, and solid waste collection. Water is collected into a reservoir lake (known to locals as Water Lake) from the Salmon River located approximately 3.5 km from town. It is treated with chlorine as it is loaded into trucks for distribution. Currently, there are three water trucks that deliver water daily to residences and commercial operations. Each delivery truck can service approximately 52 to 70 customers in a single trip, and operates approximately two to three trips per day. Water quality samples are taken over night from the delivery truck, and inspection reports are submitted every Monday to the Government of Nunavut. According to Joansie Naqitarvik, Community Works Foreman, Water Lake has sufficient capacity to service the community’s water needs at this time. However, they monitor the lake levels based on the outflow to the river, if the outflow gets too low they have the capacity to pull water from the river to replenish the reservoir (Joansie Naqitarvik, pers. comm. November 25, 2016). Sewage and municipal wastewater is collected by three trucks daily, six days a week, and with one truck on Sundays from residential and commercial locations. The water and sewage trucks follow the same routes and

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use the same roads. The trucks divide the community into the lower, middle, and upper neighbourhoods for pickup (Joansie Naqitarvik, pers. comm. November 25, 2016). The Hamlet’s sewage treatment facility is located within the Waste Disposal zone approximately 2.2 km from the centre of town. Sewage treatment is a primary system lagoon storage facility which is pumped out seasonally before winter via the creek outlet to the north (Joansie Naqitarvik, pers. comm. November 25, 2016). Currently, upgrades to the liner are required to the sewage lagoon (Joansie Naqitarvik, pers. comm. November 25, 2016). The sewage lagoon consistently has required repair. As noted during a 2010 INAC inspection, the lagoon was leaking from the southeast corner and a large pool of effluent had built up across the road to the lagoon. The inspection noted that the lagoon had been leaking for the past two to three years and that repairs were to be made in 2009 (INAC, 2010). More recently, in February of 2015, the hamlet declared a state of emergency because of a lack of water and sewage services (CBC, 2015). Hamlet officials reported at the time that only one small sewage truck was on the road (the other two had broken down) and the generator for the drinking water pump was not working (CBC, 2015). The municipal waste area includes metal, wood, soil farm, hazardous materials, and solid waste disposal. The bulk metal, wood, soil farm, and solid waste are identified in the Hamlet zoning map as segregated areas adjacent to the sewage disposal site. Municipal waste areas are located approximately 2 km from town, are not secured by fencing, and have a history of not being well maintained. During the INAC 2010 inspection, hazardous wastes were not stored with secondary containment, on-site water management was lacking, there was not sufficient soil cover and the operations and maintenance manual was not available for review (INAC, 2010). Solid waste is collected by Community Works three times a week and efforts are divided by the lower, middle and upper neighbourhoods. The Hamlet has one truck and does not have the capacity to collect all solid waste in one day. The INAC 2010 inspection report noted that hazardous waste was not segregated, but was stored improperly in a non-lined sea can. The inspector noted that the storage container was full and that batteries and other hazardous materials were leaking (INAC, 2010). Further, the inspector noted waste oil drums were stored in an unlined area, were leaking, and not properly labelled (INAC, 2010). The inspector also noted that the land farm had received contaminated soils, but that there was no treatment currently underway on site (INAC, 2010). Electricity through diesel generators is provided by the Qulliq Energy Corporation, a territorial corporation 100% owned by the Government of Nunavut. Qulliq Energy is the only generator, transmitter, and distributor of electrical energy in Nunavut. All electricity needs in Nunavut are met by imported fossil fuel supplies. The Petroleum Products Division (PPD) is responsible for the purchase, transportation (import), storage, and distribution of all Petroleum Products in Nunavut. Heating fuel for homes and buildings is managed and delivered by the Co-Op’s Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL) centre (Louise England, pers. comm., November 24, 2016). PPD is responsible for ensuring the proper response and clean-up of spills related to the storage and delivery of petroleum products throughout the territory. Individual response plans in each community provide guidance to contractors and individuals responding to a spill. These plans follow all associated regulations, including Environment Canada, Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard, as well as National Response Plan frameworks. PPD also maintains an inventory of spill response equipment in each community which includes but is not limited to, absorbent pads, booms, personal protective equipment, and hazardous material disposal bags. Landline and mobile phone service is provided by NorthwesTel / Bell Mobility while internet service is provided by Qiniq and Xplornet. There is free internet access available at the school and library. The Tununiq Sauniq Co-op provides cable television service and Bell ExpressVu offers satellite service. There is a local radio station that broadcasts in Inuktitut and English. There is also a Post Office located in the Co-Op Store.

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8.3.4.2 Transportation The Hamlet is serviced daily by scheduled commercial flights provided by First Air and Canadian North through Iqaluit and Clyde River. Sauniq Inns North Hotel, as a member of Tununiq Sauniq Co-op, offers free airport shuttle service and can arrange for vehicle rentals. Roads in the Hamlet are gravel surface with no walkways. Pedestrians, all-terrain vehicles, snow machines, cars, and trucks all have to share the road. Dust control on roads is provided by the Hamlet Public Works department. Dust control is through the application of calcium chloride, and if supplies are depleted then the roads are watered with non-chlorinated water from Water Lake (pers. comms, Joansie Naqitarvik, November 25, 2016). Sealift is a vital link for all communities in Nunavut allowing residents to obtain their annual re-supply of goods and materials needed throughout the year. Sealift ships travel from several southern Canadian Ports with a variety of goods ranging from housewares, non-perishable items, construction materials, vehicles, and heavy equipment. The current providers of sealift carriage and associated services are Nunavut Sealink & Supply (NSSI) and Nunavut Eastern Arctic Shipping Inc. (NEAS). Sealift ships usually arrive in the Hamlet towards the end of August, with the last boat of the year leaving sometime around the end of September.

8.3.4.3 Emergency & Protection Services Fire protection is the responsibility of the Hamlet and relies on volunteer firefighters, led by a paid full time Fire Chief. Last year, the department attended seven fires, one major and six minor (Fire Chief, pers. comm. November 25, 2016). The Fire Chief stated that the department also conducts monthly fire inspections of public spaces and new houses, and can offer safety and education training to the community. The RCMP detachment office currently has a staff of two full-time officers and two relief officers temporarily filling in with the hope that the detachment will be fully staffed by next year (Terry Hamelin, pers. comm. September 25, 2016). Most offences in the Hamlet are against persons, and relations with the community are generally good (Terry Hamelin, pers. comm. September 25, 2016). In 2016, however, an RCMP officer stationed in the Hamlet since 2012 was charged with two counts of assault (Nunatsiaq Online, 2014). During cruise ship landings with international travellers, the Canadian Border Service Agency provides officials with support from the RCMP to check passport and visas right on the Pond Inlet beach as a point of entry to Canada (Terry Hamelin, pers. comm. September 25, 2016). The Hamlet employs a Bylaw officer to patrol public places for traffic and noise offences. Where the Bylaw officer encounters disturbances out of his jurisdiction, he will contact the RCMP (Bylaw officer, pers. comm., November 25, 2016).

8.3.4.4 Public Health Health services are provided at a new health centre built in 2005. There are five nurses including the nurse-in- charge who is the only indeterminate nurse in the clinic. The health team includes a mix of agency nurses and casual nurses that travel to the Hamlet for six week rotations and is currently under-resourced (Sherry Parks, pers. comm., November 25, 2016). Nurses work Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm with a 24-hour on-call shift. The health centre’s schedule includes out-patient services in the mornings and day-specific health programs such as Well Woman/Well Man, Chronic Disease Clinics, Pre-Natal, and Well Child in the afternoons if and when the schedule allows (Sherry Parks, pers. comm., November 25, 2016). Fridays are scheduled to be

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administrative days but given the lack of resources, the ability to do administrative work is very limited (Sherry Parks, pers. comm., November 25, 2016). There are specialist services that visit the Hamlet for a week at a time such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech language therapists, and dentists (Sherry Parks, pers. comm., November 25, 2016). In November 2016, staff was limited to two nurses and the nurse-in-charge which led to a reduced service available for emergency and public health program delivery. Emergency cases that require a doctor are flown to Iqaluit (Sherry Parks, pers. comm., November 25, 2016). In 2012, the health centre reported an increase of over 3000 visits that year compared with 2011 (Government of Nunavut, 2015a). This increase likely was associated with initiation of work at the Baffinland Mine when there was no clear policy yet in place and the Pond Inlet health centre was used to stabilize and transfer patients with medical emergencies (Sherry Parks, pers. comm., November 25, 2016).

8.3.5 Land and Resource Use

8.3.5.1 Harvesting and Food Security The Nunavut Food Security Coalition defines food security as “ physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life” (Nunavut Food Security Coalition, 2017). The Coalition estimates that nearly 70% of homes in Nunavut are food insecure. Residents in the Hamlet obtain food resources from hunting and harvesting, purchasing at stores, and through sealift. Hunting remains essential to life in the Hamlet. In 2006, 66% of respondents from the Hamlet reported going hunting, 69% fished, and 79% gathered wild plants in the 12 months before the census (Government of Nunavut & Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, 2006). Harvesting of ringed seal, Arctic char, narwhal, and caribou are of particular importance. Availability of traditionally harvested foods (country food) is crucial in that it lowers the demand for imported food, which is very costly and most often less nutritious. Additionally, the harvesting, preparation, and distribution of meat and skins offer important opportunities to maintain and enhance Inuit culture. “Going out on the land” is a means of both spiritual and cultural renewal after a long, cold, dark winter (NPC, 2000). Harvesting activities (hunting, fishing, gathering, and trapping) are limited within the SCH and Quarry Study Areas. IQ obtained during the workshop indicated that in and around the SCH Study Area, residents fish mostly at Salmon Creek, near Salmon River and along the hamlet coast line (Figure 2-1). Fishing nets are also placed along the western and eastern shorelines of the Hamlet. Hunting of Ptarmigan and small game occurs around the coast line near the proposed Quarry Study Area and near the Salmon River. Current plant and berry picking areas identified during the elder interview and workshops do not fall within the two Study Areas. An HTO member remarked during a design workshop that, “There are lots of plants in the proposed quarry area, but nobody collects there because it’s polluted now with the sewage lagoon,” (HTO Member Design Workshop, 2016). Trapping does not occur in either of the two Study Areas (Matthias Kaunak pers. comm. November 2016; IQ Workshop: March 2017). Additionally, there are no known areas in and around the Study Areas to collect earth materials such as carving stone or flint (Matthias Kaunak pers. comm. November 2016; IQ Workshop: March 2017). Harvesting generally follows the seasonal cycles of wildlife (NPC, 2000). Caribou, seal and Arctic char are harvested year-round as staple food sources (NPC, 2000). Spring is a particularly important time for the harvest. The nearby Floe edge (Figure 2-1) is the main hunting area for Pond Inlet hunters from May to July (IQ Workshop: March 2017: Sheattie Tagak). Hunters often stage their forays onto the sea ice from Button

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Point (Sannirut) on southwest Bylot Island (Figure 2-1) (Lee and Wenzel, 2004; IQ Workshop: March 2017). Button Point is used as a camping spot by early Spring hunters but also acts as a brief rest spot later in the season that allows hunters to acquire information on floe-edge and weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and camp locations along the floe-edge from other hunters camped and moving through Button Point (Lee and Wenzel, 2004; IQ Workshop: March 2017). By early June, there are hunters camped all along the entire extent of the floe-edge (Lee and Wenzel, 2004; IQ Workshop: March 2017). Identified harvesting locations in and around the project development areas has been provided in Figure 2-1.

8.3.5.2 Travel Routes and Access There is only one ramp in the community from which to launch boats during the open water season. During sealift delivery, the shoreline neighbourhood becomes extremely congested and hunters are unable to access the ramp to go out to harvest (HTO member, pers. comm., September 16, 2016). Further, residents are unable to access the road with their vehicles while the sealift is in. “The traffic jam caused by the sealift and all the back and forth of unloading is not safe for the public,” (shoreline resident pers. comm., September 16, 2016). In addition to traffic concerns at the shoreline, water safety is also an ongoing concern in the Hamlet, especially considering that many children enjoy playing on the beach and around the coast line (shoreline resident and SAO, pers. comm. November 25, 2016). During the winter, ice access is considered very good. “We are not concerned with getting on the ice, access in the winter is easy for us, we can get on almost anywhere,” (HTO member, pers. comm. November 2016). According to the community’s sustainability plan, residents have requested access roads be built to: reach harvest areas (trail to Ivisaat, Mt. Herodier), reduce the degradation of the tundra in travel areas, and minimize wear and tear on their vehicles used for harvesting (Government of Nunavut, 2011). There is a particularly busy travel route out of the Hamlet taken by many families in the community, especially during the open-water season, for access to the Salmon River. The Salmon River area is an important gathering place for the community where people come together to fish, camp, and hold special events. Additionally, travel routes to access the campground and berry picking areas are also quite busy in the summer months. Identified access points and local travel routes are provided in Figure 2-1.

8.3.5.3 Recreation and Tourism Recreational facilities available in the Hamlet throughout the year include the Nattinak Visitors’ Centre (that houses the Pond Inlet archives and the Rebecca P. Idlout Library), a large community hall, and a new ice arena that has experienced electrical and structural problems since it opened in 2012 (Nunatsiaq Online, 2014) According to the community’s sustainability plan (Government of Nunavut, 2011), recreational infrastructure is considered lacking by the community. Residents would like to see a playground, baseball diamond, and swimming pool built (Government of Nunavut, 2011). Additionally, the report found that recreational programming such as a skate board park, basketball, and street/ball hockey in the Hamlet would benefit the community, and could be integrated into existing facilities (Government of Nunavut, 2011). Popular camping areas around the community include near Salmon River, the campground at Salmon Creek and a small camping area North-East of Water Lake (Figure 2-1). A popular destination for arctic tourists, the Hamlet is considered to be one of Canada's true 'jewels of the north.' It boasts a nearby floe edge, bird cliffs on nearby Bylot Island (a MBS), ice caves, several dozen glaciers,

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and many picturesque inlets not to mention the area’s wildlife including ringed seal, seabirds, arctic foxes, narwhals, and polar bears. It also is the gateway to one of Canada’s newest and largest national parks, Sirmilik National Park. Visitors to the park consist of hikers, skiers, mountaineers, private sailors, and expedition cruise ship visitors. However, given its remote location and high cost of access, few non-Inuit actually visit the Park (Parks Canada, 2016). The following three outfitters currently are operating out of the Hamlet: The HTO, Tagak Outfitting Services (Sheatie Tagak), and Tununiq Travel and Adventure (Marian Ferguson). Tours and Inuit guides can be arranged for a wide range of experiences, including dog sledding, floe edge trips, kayaking, kite skiing, fishing, whale watching, bird watching, and camping at nearby Tamaarvik Territorial Park, etc. Cruise ship visitation to the Hamlet has increased steadily since 2006, and research indicates it will continue to expand (Parks Canada, 2016). However, residents currently seem to have mixed feelings about cruise ships. Some welcome the economic potential from ships into the community while others state that cruise ships are a waste of time and “do not support us financially” (NPC, 2013). Table 8-3 provides a list of the ships that were expected in the Hamlet over the 2016 cruising season (Government of Nunavut, 2016c). At this time, small boats or tender boats carry passengers from the cruise ship to shore. The Hamlet provides tour guides, a cultural show and craft market to cruise ship passengers. The Hamlet plans to attempt tracking revenues for cruise ship activities. Increasing high-end sailboats and yacht visits also have been observed in recent years indicating a potential new niche market (Parks Canada, 2016). A local shoreline resident also observed an increase in sailboats and yachts to the Hamlet over the past few years. It was noted that over 15 small-craft boats had come to the Hamlet between July and September 2016, often anchoring for a day or two in front of the community (shoreline resident, pers. comm. November 2016).

Table 8-3 Master Nunavut Cruise Ship Itinerary for Pond Inlet 2016

Estimated Number of Ship/Company Estimated Arrival Passengers Bremen / Hapag-Lloyd Cruises August 8 150 August 26 150 Akademik Ioffe / One Ocean Expeditions August 9 96 September 3 96 Ocean Endeavour / Adventure Canada August 12 198 August 19 198 Sea Adventurer / Quark Expeditions August 16 100

Akademik Sergey Vavilov/One Ocean Expeditions August 16 92

L’Austral / Compagnie du Ponant August 22 264

Silver Explorer / SilverSea Cruises August 28 119

Le Boreal / Compagnie du Ponant September 3 264

Crystal Serenity / Crystal Cruises September 4 1070

Source: (Government of Nunavut, 2016c)

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NPC. (2013). Summary of Community Meetings – Pond Inlet Nov 5-6, 2012 report. Available at: www.nunavut.ca/files/reports/2013-08-15_Pond_Inlet_Report.pdf Accessed: December 2016. NPC. (2016a). Nunavut Land Use Plan (Draft). Available at: http://www.nunavut.ca/en/downloads Accessed: January 2017. NPC. (2016b). Community Priorities and Values. Available at: http://nunavut.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Viewer/index.html?appid=a9af182ca44e4cffafe61e1956144d34 Accessed: January 2017. Nunami Stantec. (2012). Nunavut Wildlife Resources and Habitat Values: amendment. Prepared for the Nunavut Planning Commission, Cambridge Bay. Nunatsiaq Online. (2014). Pond Inlet Arena Re-Opens After Year Long Closure. Available at: http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/65674pond_inlet_arena_re-opens_after_year- long_closure Accessed: January 2017. Nunavut Arctic College Media. (2016). The Caribou Taste Different Now: Inuit Elders Observe Climate Change. Jose Gerin-Lagoie, Alain Cuerrier, and Laura Siegwart Collier. Iqaluit, Nunavut. Nunavut Bureau of Statistics. (2011). 2009/2010 Nunavut Housing Needs Survey (NHNS). Available at: http://www.stats.gov.nu.ca/en/Housing.aspx Accessed: January 2017. Nunavut Bureau of Statistics. (2016). Population Estimates. Available at: http://www.stats.gov.nu.ca/en/Population%20estimate.aspxAccessed: December 2016. Nunavut Food Security Coalition. (2017). Available at: https://www.nunavutfoodsecurity.ca/ Accessed: January 2017. Nunavut Housing Corporation. (2016). 2015/16 Annual Report. Nunavut. Available at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/nhcweb/publications/annualreport_2015-16_0.pdf Accessed: December 2016. Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act. SC 1993, c 29 http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/N-28.7.pdf Last Ammended May 21 2004. Nunavut Parks. (2017). Parks and Special Places. Tamaarvik Territoral Park. Available at: http://nunavutparks.com/parks-special-places/tamaarvik-territorial-park/ Accessed: January 2017. Nunavut Research Institute. (2015). Nunavut Research Institute: Research Compendiums. Oceans Act. S.C. 1996, c. 31 http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/O-2.4.pdf Last Ammended February 26 2015. Page, B. (2000). Barrenland Beauties: Showy Plants of the Canadian Arctic. Outcrop, the Northern Publisher. Yellowknife, NWT. Parker, G. R. (1977). Morphology, reproduction, diet, and behaviour of the arctic hare (Lepus arcticus monstrabilis) on Axel Heiberg Island, Northwest Territories. Canadian Field-Naturalist, 91(1), 8-18. Parks Canada. (2004). Vascular Plants of Bylot Island. Ecological Studies and Environmental Monitoring at Bylot Island, Sirmilik National Park, Nunavut, Laval University. Available at: http://www.cen.ulaval.ca/bylot/specieslists-plants.htm Accessed January 2017. Parks Canada. (2016). Sirmilik Natural Park of Canada. Available at: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn- np/nu/sirmilik/natcul/natcul3.aspx. Accessed: January 2017.

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Porsild, A. E., & Cody, W. J. (1980). Vascular Plants of Continental Northwest Territories, Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences, National Museums of Canada. Priest, H., & Usher, P. J. (2004). The Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study. Nunavut Wildlife Management Board. 816p Available at: http://www.nwmb.com/en/list-all-site-files/publications/harvest-study Accessed: December 2016 to March 2017. QIA. (2012). Tallurutiup Tariunga Inulik Inuit Participation in Determining the Future of Lancaster Sound. Qikiqtani Inuit Association, February 2012, 64p. Reid, D. G., Doyle, F. I., Kenny, A. J., & Krebs, C. J. (2011). Some Observations of Short-eared Owl, Asio flammeus, Ecology on Arctic Tundra, Yukon, Canada. The Canadian Field-Naturalist, 125, 307-315. Renaud, W. E., Gavin, W., & Finley, K. J. (1981). The Avifauna of the Pond Inlet Region, NWT. American Birds, 35(2), 119-129. Renaud, W. E., & McLaren, P. L. (1982). Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnean) Distribution in Late Summer and Autumn in Eastern Lancaster Sound and Western Baffin Bay. Arctic, 35(1), 141-148. Sale, R. (2006). A Complete Guide to Arctic Wildlife. Richmond Hill, Ont: Firefly books. Sittler, B. (1995). Response of Stoats (Mustela ermine) to a fluctuating lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) Population in North East Greenland: Preliminary Results from a Long-Term Study. Annales Zoologici Fennici, 32(1), 79-92. Species at Risk Act. SC 2002, c 29 http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/S-15.3.pdf Last ammended February 3, 2017. Species at Risk Public Registry. (2016a). Species at Risk Public Registry. Species Profile: Blanket-leaved Willow. Government of Canada. Available at: http://www.registrelep- sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=626 Accessed: January 2017. Species at Risk Public Registry. (2016b). Species at Risk Public Registry. Species at Risk Species List. Government of Canada. Available at http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/default_e.cfm Accessed September 2016. Statistics Canada. (2012). Pond Inlet, Nunavut (Code 6204020) and Canada (Code 01) (table). Census Profile. 2011 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-XWE. Ottawa. Released October 24, 2012. Available at: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E Accessed December 2016. Statistics Canada. (2013). Pond Inlet, HAM, Nunavut (Code 6204020) (table). National Household Survey (NHS) Profile. 2011 National Household Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 99-004-XWE. Ottawa. Released September 11, 2013. Available at: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp- pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E Accessed December 2016. Statistics Canada. (2016). Annual Labour Force Stats Update 2015. Update prepared by the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics on March 11, 2016 from Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey data. Available at: http://www.stats.gov.nu.ca/Publications/Annual/Annual%20Labour%20Force%20StatsUpdate,%20201 5.pdf Accessed January 2017. . Stewart, D. B., Akeeagok, A., Amarualik, R., Panipakutsuk, S., & Taqtu, A. (1995). Local Knowledge of Beluga and Narwhal from Four Communities in Arctic Canada. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci, 2065, viii + 48p. + Appendices on disk.

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Tarnocai, C., & Bockheim, J. G. (2011). Cryosolic Soils of Canada: Genesis, Distribution, and Classification. Canadian Journal of Soil Science, 91, 749-762. Tarroux, A., Berteaux, D., & Bêty, J. (2010). Northern Nomads: Ability for Extensive Movements in Adult Arctic Foxes. Polar Biology, 33, 1021-1026. Therrien, J. (2010). Territorial Behaviour of Short-eared Owls, Asio flammeus, at more than 100 km North of their Current Breeding Range in Northeastern Canada: Evidence of Range Expansion? Canadian Field- Naturalist, 124(1), 58-60. Université of Laval. (2016). Ecological Studies and Environmental Monitoring at Bylot Island Sirmilik National Park, Centre d’études, Available at: http://www.cen.ulaval.ca/bylot/intro.htm. Accessed: November 2016. USDA. (2016). Plants Database. Available at: http://www.plants.usda.gov. Accessed: December 2016. Vitt, D., Marsh, J., & Bovey, R. (1988). Mosses, Lichens and Ferns of Northwest North America. University of Washington Press, Seatle, Oregon, USA.

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Appendix 1 Vegetation Species List

307071-01148-01-EN-REP-0002_R0.docx Government Nunavut Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report

Appendix 1 Vegetation Species List

Table 1 List of Vegetation Species in the Pond Inlet Study Area

Vegetation Species Vegetation Community Latin Name and Authority Common Name UDS WGD WR Local Inventory Shrubs white arctic mountain Cassiope tetragona (L.) D. Don heather D ------Y Dryas integrifolia Vahl entireleaf mountain-avens D ------Y Rhododendron lapponicum (L.) Wahlenb Lapland rosebay D ------Salix arctica Pall arctic willow ------D Y Salix spp1 willow species --- Y --- Y Vaccinium uliginosum L bog blueberry Y D --- Y Graminoids ------Arctagrostis latifolia (R. Br.) Griseb. wideleaf polargrass ------Y Carex aquatilis Wahlenb. water sedge --- D D Y Carex spp. sedge species --- Y Y Y Eriophorum angustifolium Honck. tall cottongrass ------Y Y Eriophorum scheuchzeri Hoppe white cottongrass --- Y Y Y Eriophorum spp. cottongrass species ------Y Festuca baffinensis Polunin Baffin fescue ------Y Festuca brachyphylla Schultes ex Schult. & J.A. & Schult. alpine fescue ------Y --- Festuca spp. fescue species ------Y Graminoid spp. grass species ------Y Poa spp. bluegrass species ------Y Forbs ------Armeria maritima (Mill.) Willd. thrift seapink ------Y Equisetum spp. horsetail species ------Y Hieracium alpinum L. alpine hawkweed ------Y Oxyria digyna (L.) Hill alpine mountainsorrel ------Y --- Oxytropis spp. locoweed species ------Y Papaver radicatum Rottb. rooted poppy ------Y Papaver spp. poppy species ------Pedicularis spp. lousewort species ------Y Stellaria spp. chickweed species ------Y ---

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Vegetation Species Vegetation Community Latin Name and Authority Common Name UDS WGD WR Local Inventory Non-vasculars Alectoria nigricans (Ach.) Nyl. witch's hair lichen ------Y Alectoria ochroleuca (Hoffm.) A. Massal. witch's hair lichen ------Y Arctoparmelia incurva (Pers.) Hale arctoparmelia lichen --- Y --- Y Aspicillia sp lichen ------Y Bryocaulon divergens (Ach.) Karnefelt bryocaulon lichen ------Y Bryoria nitidula (Th. Fr.) Brodo & D. Hawksw. horsehair lichen Y Y --- Y Cetraria ericetorum Opiz certarian lichen ------Y Cladonia coccifera (L.) Willd. cup lichen ------Y Cladonia gracilis (L.) Willd. cup lichen ------Y Cladonia rangiferina (L.) Nyl. greygreen reindeer lichen Y ------Y Crustose lichen black crustose Y ------Dimelaena oreina (Ach.) Norman mountain lichen Y ------Flavocetraria cucullata (Bellardi) Karnefelt & A. Thell lichen Y ------Y Flavocetraria nivalis (L.) Karnefelt & A. Thell lichen --- Y --- Y Lecanora sp lichen ------Y Melanelia hepatizon (Ach.) A. Thell lichen ------Y Moss moss tufted Y Y --- Y Ochrolechia upsaliensis (L.) A. Massal. Upsala crabseye lichen ------Y Ophioparma lapponica (Rasanen) Hafellner & R.W. Rogers ophioparma lichen ------Y Parmelia omphalodes (L.) Ach. shield lichen Y Y --- Y Parmelia saxatilis (L.) Ach. shield lichen ------Y Peltigera rufescens (Weiss) Humb. felt lichen ------Y Physcia caesia (Hoffm.) Furnr. rosette lichen ------Y Physconia muscigena (Ach.) Poelt frosted lichen --- Y --- Y Polytrichnum spp. hair-cap moss --- Y ------Pseudephebe minuscula (Nyl. ex Arnold) Brodo & D. Hawksw. blackcurly lichen ------Y Pseudephebe pubescens (L.) M. Choisy blackcurly lichen --- Y ------Rhizocarpon geographicum (L.) DC. world map lichen Y ------Y Sphaerophorus fragilis (L.) Pers. fragile ball lichen ------Y Sphaerophorus globosus (Huds.) Vain. globe ball lichen ------Y Sphagnum spp. peat moss species ------Y

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Vegetation Species Vegetation Community Latin Name and Authority Common Name UDS WGD WR Local Inventory Umbilicaria decussata (Vill.) Zahlbr. navel lichen Y Y --- Y Umbilicaria proboscidea (L.) Schrad. navel lichen Y Y --- Y Umbilicaria virginis Schaerer navel lichen ------Y Xanthoria candelaria (L.) Th. Fr. orange wall lichen ------Xanthoria elegans (Link) Th. Fr. elegant orange wall lichen ------Y Notes: 1 Willow species were examined for specific characteristics that would indicate if they could be the rare species 'Y' denotes species present within vegetation community 'D' denotes species is dominant within vegetaiton community --- denotes specis is not present within vegetation community

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