Air rally coming to Iqaluit

Iqaluit could be the destination of dozens of Cessnas and other small aircraft participating in an air rally this summer.

The event, called the International Air Rally, is expected to draw about 100 aviation enthusiasts from southern Canada, the United States and France to Nunavut’s capital in early August.

Last year the rally visited the Cree communities Waskaganish, Wemindji and Whapmagoostui in Northern Quebec. This year they plan to visit Iqaluit as their final destination.

Pilots plan to depart from Duluth, Minn., Thunder Bay, Ont., and Mont Laurier, Que. in early August. A group also plans to fly from Paris, leaving in late July.

The City of Iqaluit’s economic development officer, Kim Rizzi, said the event will help draw tourists to the capital and be a boon for local businesses.
On February 28, Iqaluit city council approved spending $7,500 for the rally — $5,000 for a banquet, and $2,500 to support a television production.