Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Aug 31/01) - The Welcome to Inuvik sign got cleaned up last week. And that wasn't all that got a little tender loving care.

Brian Desjardins, tourism and fundraising co-ordinator for the town, says the parking lot at the sign is to be expanded to encourage people to stop in and take their photo.

"They're putting in a grass area and then a rock garden around the sign," Desjardins says. "We're eventually going to be putting shrubs and flowers in there."

Lighting will be added to make the sign more visible.

The work is being done by a crew headed up by Coun. Vince Sharpe, with most of the crew associated with Inuvik Works.

Desjardins says the workers are also carrying out renovations along Boot Lake, where until recently the boat launch was located.

The launch has been removed as part of a plan to convert the area into recreational waterfront and swimming area.

"They're adding a big grass area that's going to be surrounded by large rocks," Desjardins says. "A beach volleyball court is going to be added."

The Boot Lake trail is also getting an upgrade.

The Boot Lake and Welcome sign projects are sponsored by the town, as well as the territorial Department of Economic Development and other sponsors. Molson Breweries is paying for gravel for the trail.