Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (July 30/01) - Score one for the voice of reason. The hamlet of Rankin Inlet was overjoyed to receive a letter from the Department of Community Government and Transportation confirming the allocation of $1.5 million to move or fix the community's dump.

Changes to Rankin's five-year capital plan were invoked by the department, however, in order to make the plan more conducive to addressing the priorities established by hamlet council.

The dump has long been identified by hamlet leaders in Rankin Inlet as their number 1 priority.

At the same time, some see the move to accommodate the hamlet's needs as the dawning of a new era in communication and co-operation between the Nunavut government and the hamlets.

The letter from the department's regional operations director, Shawn Maley, means the hamlet can consult with the public this fall and come up with a game plan to address the problems we have with the current dump and cemetery, says hamlet senior administrator Ron Roach.

"The hamlet will not do anything without consulting with the public first," he said.

Other highlights of the five-year capital plan include $30,000 for wastewater treatment in fiscal year 2001-02.

Another $44,000 has been allocated to snow fencing and $130,000 is on the books for the purchase of a Wheel Dozer. A further $340,000 for the dozer is allocated in the 2002-03 budget.

The Wheel Dozer is a new piece of heavy equipment coming to Rankin Inlet for snow removal. The hamlet will be trading in its 18-year-old D7 dozer for the badly needed new equipment.

"This will mean a big improvement in the hamlet's snow removal capabilities," said Roach.

"We have to extend a thank you to CG&T and (Works) Minister Jack Anawak for working closely with the hamlet to help us achieve the goals and priorities we have set."