Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 13/03) - The City of Iqaluit took three homeowners to civil court last week in an attempt to recover more than $200,000 in property back taxes.

The city and the homeowners made an appearance in court Oct. 9. Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. is also involved, hoping the parties can come to a resolution before the city sells the homes.

Jonah and Lizzie Kelly owe more than $100,000, Akeesho and Alice Joamie owe approximately $27,000 and Jetaloo Kakee owes more than $87,000.

NTI sent a letter to Justice Robert Kilpatrick asking for a December adjournment. The suit involving the Kellys was postponed until Nov. 6. They hope to secure a loan to help cover the costs.

Charlie Thompson, legal counsel for the city, did not object to the adjournment.

"The city of Iqaluit would rather not have to sell these houses, so they are willing to find other resolutions," he said.

Mayor John Matthews also agreed the sale of homes should be a last resort. He added the outstanding taxes have been owed for several years and it needs to be resolved.

The civil suits involving Kakee and the Joamies have been adjured until Dec. 4.

Kilpatrick urged the homeowners to get legal representation before the next court appearance.

"You should make sure your interests are protected," he said.