Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 31/01) - Local jobs and economic stimulation are the two main results being hoped for with the new mini-mall project in Rankin Inlet.

The mall will feature more than 7,000 square feet of usable space upon completion.

The development is the private project of the Evaz Group.

General manager Jim Ramsay says there's already been local spinoff from the project.

"We've had local companies involved in sub trades," says Ramsay.

"Y&C Enterprises Ltd. provided the gravel and Aurora Northern provided the concrete.

"Kivalliq Property Maintenance has been involved with mechanical and electrical aspects and, of course, local labourers have been employed on the project."

Once the mall is completed, Ramsay hopes to see new shops open up, creating new jobs.

He's also taking an initiative not yet commonplace in the North by looking into the feasibility of a kiosk approach in the mall.

"We're just starting to look into that, but I can see local carvers, seamstresses, any entrepreneur who wants to rent 150 square feet month to month, selling their different product lines from a kiosk."

The mall is on target to be open for business by March 2002.

Ramsay says construction is advancing nicely and the mall should be completely framed in around Dec. 10.

"We were a bit upset we got such a late start on the construction, but politics will do that sometimes."

Ramsay says Evaz president Peter Balt came up with the idea of having two tower-like structures assembled at each end of the mini-mall.

The structures will be slightly more than three stories high and will represent both the history and future hopes of Rankin Inlet.

"The decision to include the towers shows a lot of class and heart coming from a development firm.

"One tower will be a tribute to the nickel mine that started Rankin on its way to becoming the community we have today.

"The other will represent our hopes for the future with the Meliadine gold mine."