BAKER LAKE
- Latitude: 64.3007 •
- Longitude: -95.9585 •
- East Coast Canada •
- Port in Canada
Address: Baker Lake Nunavut Canada
Marine Port: Baker Lake, Canada
Port Overview: Baker Lake is a remote inland community located in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada. It is notable for being the only inland community in Nunavut, as it lies at the mouth of the Baker Lake on Chesterfield Inlet, a large bay on the western shore of Hudson Bay.
Location:
- Coordinates: Approximately 64.3171° N latitude, 96.0224° W longitude
- Region: Kivalliq Region, Nunavut, Canada
- Climate: Subarctic climate (Dfc) characterized by long and extremely cold winters, and short, cool to mild summers.
Port Specifications:
- Type: Inland port, seasonal operation
- Primary Function: Accommodates cargo vessels and supplies for the community, particularly during the summer months when ice conditions allow navigation.
- Water Depth: Variable; subject to seasonal ice melt and tidal conditions.
Infrastructure:
- Dock Facilities: Basic docking facilities suitable for smaller vessels. Larger cargo vessels anchor offshore and use barges and tugs for delivery.
- Navigation: Access is typically limited to summer months due to ice coverage. Maritime navigation aids may be limited.
- Loading/Unloading: Predominantly manual with some mechanical assistance. Relies heavily on community coordination and seasonal planning.
- Warehousing: Limited warehousing options, mostly temporary storage suited for short-term needs.
- Road Access: No direct highway connection. Limited local road infrastructure, typically unpaved.
Operational Information:
- Seasonal Accessibility: Wide ice coverage restricts access to the port for much of the year; shipping activity primarily takes place during the ice-free summer months.
- Tide Range: Tides can vary significantly, thereby impacting draft and the timing of port operations.
- Weather Conditions: Operations impacted by weather; potential for severe and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Services:
- Fuel Supply: Limited; primarily for local use.
- Provisions and Supplies: Basic provisioning subject to availability; many items must be specially ordered and shipped during the accessible season.
- Emergency Services: Local emergency services are limited; evacuation and emergency provisioning are subject to weather and accessibility constraints.
Economic and Logistical Significance:
- Community Support: Crucial for the delivery of goods, building materials, fuel, and other essential supplies.
- Economic Activities: Primarily supports the needs of the local population, with some involvement in regional resource development projects.
Environmental Considerations:
- Environmental sensitivity due to fragile arctic ecosystem. Operations are typically governed by stringent environmental regulations to minimize impact.
Challenges:
- Logistical Complexity: Remote location, severe weather, and ice conditions present significant challenges.
- Limited Infrastructure: Basic facilities necessitate efficient seasonal planning and reliance on local community efforts.
- Accessibility: Highly dependent on seasonal variations and ice conditions, with substantial lead times required for supply planning.
In summary, Baker Lake's port is a crucial element in the logistics network supporting this remote community and plays a significant role despite its limited operational window and infrastructure constraints. It is essential for the delivery of vital goods and services to Baker Lake and its surrounding areas.