Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Sep 18/02) - The site of the new municipal dump in Rankin Inlet has finally been selected, but not everyone's happy with the way the project played out.

The first choice was dropped after it was determined the site was not compatible with birds in the area.

The move to the new location, just under four kilometres from the airport, means the addition of 1.2 kilometres of road and an increase in project cost.

The Department of Community Government and Transportation (CG&T) is picking up the additional cost above the $1 million budgeted for the new dump, expected to be more than $200,000.

It's estimated the new dump will open in 2003.

Hamlet council has accepted the change, but claims the Nunavut government did not live up to its original promises regarding the project.

In a public meeting earlier this month, councillors said they were led to believe $1.5 million was earmarked for the new dump and any surplus could be used on a project of their choosing.

That led to a radio program seeking public opinion on a new road to Diane River.

Coun. Laura Kowmuk told council she learned a valuable lesson from the experience.

"Just because a minister tells you something, that doesn't make it so until you see it in writing," said Kowmuk.

"I'm disappointed because I learned today not to take a minister at their word."

Mayor Jack Kabvitok was also unimpressed by what he perceived to be a change in the government's direction.

The usually guarded mayor said he was tired of council being made to look bad by government decisions.

"They tell us we can use any surplus on a road to Diane River and then they change it," said Kabvitok. "They let us go on radio to announce the dump site and then change that. It makes it look like we're not doing our job and making bad decisions."

CG&T assistant deputy minister Shawn Maley said the misunderstanding over any surplus has become a moot point, as the project is not going to have any free balance.

"Our policy is pretty straightforward," said Maley.

"The financial management board requires any surplus on a project to go back to the government. The board votes on a project based on a submitted budget. If it comes in under budget, you give it back."

"If it comes in over, you go back and ask for more. That's the way the process works."