Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Oct 20/00) - An open house will be held this Sunday as part of efforts to re-open the doors to the Inuvik Youth Centre.

Organizers closed its doors about three weeks ago.

Gerry Grant, a member of the board which oversees the centre, said the move was brought about by a lack of direction as to where people wanted it to go.

"We were kind of running actually somewhat at half speed," Grant said.

"We felt the way (to proceed) was to close the doors and try to get some of these things addressed."

One thing Grant hopes will be accomplished during Sunday's open house, which takes place from 5-7 p.m., is the election of a new youth committee.

"We hope the youth committee will have a couple of meetings within a week and give us some feedback as to where they'd like the youth centre to go in regards to hours of operation, activities, staffing, and what not, and then we can proceed to try to fill those needs," Grant said.

Board member Tracy MacPherson said the youth centre is important to the community.

"Because of my job, I see the youth centre as being a good resource in the community," said MacPherson, a probation officer for the Department of Justice.

The Inuvik Youth Centre is usually open some weeknights, as well as Friday and Saturday evenings until after midnight. MacPherson said that, partly because of such odd hours, keeping staff there has been a problem.

"Most people want to work at a normal job, you know, Monday to Friday stuff," MacPherson said.

She said the centre has a staff of two adults plus a student worker, but that that might change when it re-opens.

As many as 50 kids might use the centre in one evening.