Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

IQALUIT (July 19/99) - The minister in charge of Nunavut municipalities says he wants to open new lines of communication and smooth troubled waters between the Nunavut government and town of Iqaluit.

"Over the years there has been a build up of an 'us against them' type of situation," minister of Community Government Jack Anawak told town council, referring to the years the town operated under the GNWT.

"I think what we have to do is make it 'Us' in totality -- us in Nunavut. We should sit at a round table instead of sitting on different sides."

The July 12 meeting was Anawak's first with council since he took office. Though he appeared to come with the best of intentions, Anawak did not have much in the way of firm answers to questions council asked of him.

The department of community government has been criticized by the municipality for its slow provision of funds, specifically for the approval of a loan the municipality requires to develop a new subdivision near the Road To Nowhere.

Though he did not give a specific date, Anawak said the municipality can expect to receive the $2.74 million.

"At this time we're making a request for the debenture...for you to build your subdivision, but that has to be approved by the Nunavut government first. Obviously that will be approved."

Coun. Matthew Spence suggested the funding delays would be solved by the government entering into a block funding arrangement with the town.

Spence also asked for the government to not issue any more leases for land on the road to the dump. Spence said existing development is already encroaching on the park.

"I think your airport manager is facing some fairly significant pressure in terms of leasing that land," said Spence. "So I'd like to see you move fairly quickly on that."

Coun. Lynda Gunn asked Anawak if the municipality was going to have a role in the government's amendment of the Cities, Towns and Villages Act, the main piece of territorial legislation, inherited from the NWT, governing Nunavut municipalities.

Anawak said the department would be taking an inclusive approach to amending the act.

The need for road work in town was raised by more than one councillor.

"We have to drive like we're intoxicated to make it through the obstacle course in this community," said Geosah Uniuqsaraq. "It's become a safety issue."

Anawak again made no commitments other than to discuss the matter further.