Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 13/03) - Nunavut received a $55-million boost to develop its public housing, water, sewage, and municipal-infrastructure programs from the federal government on Oct. 5.

The announcements were made in Rankin Inlet by Industry Minister Allan Rock, Secretary of State for Rural Development Andy Mitchell responsible for the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation, Steve Mahoney and Nunavut Liberal MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell.

The feds will provide $20 million towards water and sewage projects from the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, along with another $20 million towards low income public housing.

The $20 million for water and sewage will be spent in three communities.

Cape Dorset's existing sewage treatment system will be improved, increasing its winter-storage capacity and reducing its springtime infiltration. The construction of a sewage lagoon and associated drainage works will take place in Kugluktuk, while the design and construction of a sewage treatment plant is earmarked for Rankin Inlet.

The $20 million in affordable-housing funds will see up to 200 units constructed across Nunavut.

The federal government also announced Nunavut will receive $15 million from the new Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

The money is to be used towards municipal-rural priorities negotiated between federal, territorial and municipal governments.

The Government of Nunavut is expected to match the federal contributions for water, sewage and housing.

Rock said the funding initiatives demonstrate the federal government's commitment to improving the quality of life in the North. The minister praised the efforts of Lindell in making Ottawa more aware of the challenges faced by Nunavut.

"Nancy (Lindell) has worked very hard with us in identifying the needs of this territory," said Rock.

Lindell told the large crowd gathered at the community centre that the funding shows the federal government is listening to the concerns of Nunavummiut. "The water and wastewater projects announced today will ensure communities across Nunavut have access to clean, safe drinking water," said Lindell.

"The housing investments will greatly improve the quality of life for Nunavut residents."