Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Cambridge Bay (Feb 04/02) - Budget time is on the horizon for the Cambridge Bay hamlet council and the wish list is being drafted.

Terry MacCullum, deputy mayor for the hamlet, said the main priority for council is replacing the water line from the reservoir to the town.

"It's a major need," said MacCullum.

The project is estimated to cost more than $1 million and has been deferred for several years because the territorial government was getting its house in order after division in 1999.

MacCullum said the old pipes froze and leaked in the winter.

The hamlet also wants to build an outdoor skateboard park and basketball court. Also on the wish list is a new water truck and a loader.

Council will meet on Feb. 11 to discuss the budget.

"We have to prioritize and the get the essential items down," said MacCullum.

The hamlet also lobbies the government for capital projects the community needs but fall outside of the operational budget.

MacCullum said the community hopes to break ground on a new health facility that was promised to Cambridge Bay.

Arctic College also needs new dormitories.

The fiscal year runs out on March 31.

Hamlet administration is gearing up for negotiations with the Nunavut Employees Union in the next couple of weeks, said senior administrator Elmwood Johnson. The last collective agreement was singed in 1999.