Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Arviat (Jan 23/02) - When Fred Cornelssen packed up his suitcases and sold his house last August, he left more than just a job behind.

The former resident of the hamlet of Kugluktuk moved to Arviat to take on the role of maintenance co-ordinator for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. He said switching from the Kitikmeot for the Kivalliq meant leaving behind many people who had become dear friends.

Fred Cornelssen moved to Arviat from Kugluktuk at the end of August. While he's thoroughly enjoying his new job and the hamlet, he still misses the Kitikmeot.

"The people I've met in Arviat are as nice as the people in Kugluktuk, but I miss home," said Cornelssen.

Making friends in Arivat has been a little more difficult because the move also meant trading in his job at the Kugluktuk Housing Association for a full-time administrative desk job. Cornelssen said he misses the constant interaction he had with community members.

"I miss the people, talking with the people. It's like a family in the housing associations, but when you step up to the headquarters level, it's more businesslike," he said.

In Cornelssen's new position, he's responsible for overseeing the maintenance management systems in each of the territory's housing associations.

He also assists the associations and the district offices with their construction needs. That means as the daylight grows longer and spring comes nearer, Cornelssen is frantically planning for 2002 building.

"We're busy developing plans for the new construction season," he said.

When Cornelssen isn't working, he said he was taking the time to enjoy the life of a bachelor. His wife, Patti, left Arviat temporarily last fall to tend to family in Alberta. Cornelssen said the solitude gave him time to take work-related courses and to learn the landscape of Arviat. He said the view was different from Kugluktuk.

"It's a very flat area and I have to get used to that. There's no hills like in Kugluktuk for landmarks," he said.

He also said the continual nearby presence of polar bears also takes a little getting used to.