Gjoa Haven (June 09/03) - The hamlet of Gjoa Haven is in desperate need of a new community hall, according to Raymond Kamookak, senior administrative officer.

This year construction materials for a new airport terminal and water treatment plant are arriving on the sea lift in Gjoa Haven.

Kamookak, although happy for the new facilities, said he is hopeful that materials for a new community hall won't be far behind.

He isn't optimistic.

"We've been working on that for the last 10 years," he said.

"We're lobbying with the government and we hope a new hall will come to Gjoa Haven in the near future."

The current hall is outdated, said Kamookak.

Serving a population of just over 1,000 residents, the maximum capacity of the community hall is 131 people.

"We need one that should fit 450 at least," he said.

The community hall hosts the hamlet's spring games, public meetings and other social activities.

"We might have to wait another 10 years, sometimes these things take forever," said Kamookak.

The treatment plant and terminal building are welcome additions to the hamlet.

Both buildings took about eight years of negotiating with the GN before they were slated for construction, said Kamookak.

The new treatment plant is the first phase of tapping into a new water reservoir outside of town.

Phase two will be the construction of three kilometres of pipeline.

The old plant will be kept in case of emergencies.