For more than nine years, Rene Aggark has been making a monthly journey out of Nunavut to seek medical care for his daughter. Starting from his residence in Arviat, his route takes him through Rankin Inlet before heading south to Winnipeg, where his daughter Saittuq receives treatment for her physical disability.
The travel day usually involves long hours on the road, with a stopover in Rankin Inlet where they are left waiting for extended periods. Unlike Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet lacks a medical boarding facility, leaving many individuals stranded at the airport while waiting for medical care.
Aggark expressed the emotional and physical toll of waiting at the terminal, describing it as exhausting and mentally challenging. The limited seating and food options in the small waiting room at Rankin’s airport terminal make the experience even more difficult, especially for Saittuq, who struggles with the available juice and snack choices, often becoming impatient to board the plane.
Despite the current challenges, there are upcoming plans to unveil a new airport terminal in Rankin Inlet. The new facility, as detailed by Darrin Nichol from the Nunavut Airports Division, will cover approximately 40,000 square feet, tripling the size of the current terminal, and will offer expanded seating and food choices.
Heather Grant from the government of Nunavut’s transportation and infrastructure division confirmed that the new terminal will accommodate 200 people, with the first phase of construction expected to be completed this year after experiencing delays that pushed back the original 2023 opening timeline.
Aggark remains optimistic about the potential improvements the new terminal will bring to the waiting experience. However, he emphasizes the need for a boarding home in Rankin Inlet to provide a more comfortable stay for his daughter during their medical travels to Winnipeg.
