Gjoa Haven (July 09/01) - The future of the Chantrey Inlet Lodge depends on a site inspection this summer.

A spokesperson for the Kitikmeot Inuit Association confirmed the inspection of the parcel, located outside Gjoa Haven, is tentatively scheduled for Aug 1.

As dictated by the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, the former owner of the land, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, was required to turn the land over to KIA when the lease on the Chantrey Inlet Lodge expired.

While the lease expired last May, a site inspection was never conducted.

KIA members said earlier this spring they wanted to look over the property before accepting ownership to ensure the lands are not contaminated.

Staff employed by the lands department of KIA expect to conduct the examination this summer.

As for the sportfishing lodge itself, a group of interested parties from Gjoa Haven and Baker Lake would like to re-open the business. KIA has said they are open to the idea of leasing the land to the group.

The lodge has been dormant for the last decade.

If re-opened, the business could provide as many as 20 seasonal jobs and boost the sport hunting and fishing economy.