Repulse Bay (Oct 01/03) - Construction is starting to build momentum in Repulse Bay.

This past week construction started on the new hamlet office and the Naujat Co-op store is moving closer to completion.

The walls on the new Co-op went up last week and the store should be completed by Dec. 1.

John Kaufmann, area manager of Arctic Co-op, said the new store is going to give them much needed space for the community.

"We just don't have the space. We stock the shelves and by the end of the week they are empty," he said.

The new storey will have about 5,000 square feet.

"This is good news because it's been a long time coming," he said.

Brian McQuarrie, senior administrative officer for the hamlet, said there was a few delays waiting for some of the construction material, but now everything is back on schedule.

The boat with some of the materials arrived on Sept. 16 and the pilings have already been put into the ground. The build is scheduled to be completed by next May.

"We're really looking forward to the completion of the new office," said McQuarrie. "It's very much needed."

Since Dec. 24, of last year, when the office was destroyed by a fire, the hamlet services have been spread throughout the community. McQuarrie said with the new building they will have everything centralized.

The new office will contain all the hamlet administrative services, the recreation office, economic development and the radio station.

"This will give us all more room," said Levi Katokra, recreation director.

Katokra added that the community is looking forward to the new Co-op. "The new Co-op is something this community really needs," he said.