It was another busy year for the Nunatsiaq News team in Iqaluit.

The three reporters based permanently in the Nunavut capital went a full year without a newsroom following last year’s office fire.

Working remotely without an office requires adaptability as the team took to working from coffee shops, conference room floors and their cars to file the day’s news.

Here are the stories that defined Iqaluit in 2025.

Noble House fire

On a cold January night, Iqaluit experienced one of its most devastating fires in recent years.

Noble House was destroyed, displacing the occupants of 36 residential units as well as several businesses. The community rallied around the people who lost their homes in the blaze. There were no deaths or injuries.

By the end of the year, much of the rubble on the lot had been cleared.

New prime minister visits Iqaluit, sees ‘nation-building’ potential

Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the Nunavut commissioner’s residence to meet with Inuit leaders. (Photo by Daron Letts)

Prime Minister Mark Carney dropped in to Iqaluit for a one-day visit on March 18, less than a week after being sworn in.

He was on his way back from visits to London and Paris, when then-Premier P.J. Akeeagok welcomed Carney, who was born in Fort Smith, N.W.T., “home” to the North.

Carney’s visit concluded with announcement that Ottawa would spend $6.7 billion to bolster Arctic security, including an over-the-horizon radar system.

In November, Carney again drew his attention to the Nunavut capital, adding the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit hydro plan to his list of “nation-building” projects being referred to the federal government’s Major Projects Office.

If approved, the project could be online by 2030, according to its proponent.

North of North brings Iqaluit to Netflix

Iqaluit made its return to the small screen in 2025, acting as the community of Ice Cove in TV’s North of North.

After filming in early 2024, the show was a hit on CBC and APTN. In April, it reached global audiences on Netflix, and was promptly renewed for a second season.

The show spotlighted Iqaluit stars including Anna Lambe and Maika Harper, and co-creators Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and Stacey Aglok MacDonald. It also highlighted the community’s breathtaking landscapes and handful of local landmarks.

Some notable cameos on the show included Iqaluit Mayor Solomon Awa and artist Mathew Nuqingaq.

Filming for the second season is expected to take place in early 2026 in Toronto and Nunavut.

Animal control bylaw controversy

Changes to Iqaluit’s animal control bylaw allowing municipal officers to kill loose animals after a 24-hour hold drew emotional and passionate reactions from some community members, both opposed and in favour of the measure.

The bylaw was proposed after the public safety committee called for action on loose dogs roaming the city.

A petition was organized calling for council to reconsider the amendment. When the bylaw was up for third and final reading, residents packed city hall in an effort to change councillors’ minds. The bylaw passed.

In the aftermath, RCMP were called to investigate a potential online threat that was made, seemingly directed toward city councillors. No charges were laid.

An Iqaluit RCMP vehicle drives away after officers ended a 16-hour standoff on Sept. 27. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)

Emergency alert and RCMP standoff

In the early hours of Sept. 27, many Iqaluit residents were jolted by the sound of an emergency alert telling people to shelter in place due to a police operation.

The RCMP responded to shots being fired, followed by a standoff that lasted close to 16 hours.

Police kept control of the scene on Tasilik Street. After a specialized RCMP team was called in from Ottawa, a suspect was taken into custody and charged with 18 counts.