Chesterfield Inlet

5-Year Community Economic Development Plan

Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut is a remote Inuit community with a population of approximately 400 people. Being an isolated northern community presents a variety of challenges but in the case of Chesterfield, it has helped to preserve traditional Inuit culture, which the community practices on a daily basis.

CES was hired to develop a Community Economic Development plan that would set direction and create a 5-year vision for the community. CES provided recommendations using a community-based approach to responsible socio-economic development that respects cultural values and traditions.

This project included an extensive community consultation process including interviews with various stakeholders, online surveys, youth engagement sessions, door-to-door interviews and community open houses. The plan was based upon the ideas, hopes and aspirations of Chesterfield Inlet residents, which CES integrated into their recommendations for the following sectors of the community:
• Employment, Education & Training
• Wellness & Recreation
• Mining & Resource Development
• Culture & Heritage
• Tourism
• Local Business & Infrastructure
• Environment

The plan included an easy-to-use and actionable implementation plan for the Hamlet and community members to use as a guide for sustainable and meaningful socio-economic community development.