Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 10/99) - Mayor Ernest Pokiak says there are some pressing matters to be addressed in Tuktoyaktuk.

During an interview last week, the mayor said one of the most immediate needs is for an elders' facility.

"We're looking at something similar to the Joe Greenland Centre in Aklavik," he said, "where there's 15 rooms and room for people to simply drop in -- and where someone from Health and Social Services can stay if people need help."

Pokiak said a feasibility study has already been completed and that he's determined to see the project through.

"It's been talked about for 10 years or so and I feel I'm in a position to get something done," he said.

Pokiak said the town will look to government funding for the centre -- an investment he said was justified because up to 10 full-time jobs would be created and that full training would be made available for any staff hired.

The mayor said another immediate need is for gravel.

"People don't usually call my office about gravel, but that's what they've been doing," he said. "For example, we need gravel for roads and people's driveways. We need another cheap source."

Pokiak said the gravel question is also tied in with the proposal to extend the Dempster Highway to Tuktoyaktuk.

"There's a gravel sources about 15 miles west of here near the river," he said. "The only way to get there now is on the ice road, but that gravel source is on the route of the proposed Dempster extension."

The mayor said the community could also solve its needs for a new landfill site and a new cemetery along the proposed extension route.

"We have to convince the federal government to fund the road project," he said. "It would create work for five years at least while other projects and businesses come and go, but don't last."

Pokiak said a proposal would be completed soon.

On social matters, Pokiak said Tuk council ruled that, effective Sept. 1, the number of community bingos would be reduced from six to three per week.

"We're trying to work together with the people on wellness," he said. "Even before I was elected people said there were too many bingos -- council recognized that people must spend more time with their families."