Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Arctic Bay (Mar 15/04) - In the past two years Arctic Bay has taken a beating. With the Nanisivik Mine closing and the lack of hotel facilities, the community's economy is seriously hurting.

There is hope, however, thanks to the Arctic Bay Development Corporation, a new group hoping to take control of the hamlet's future.

The corporation is looking at raising its own money to build much needed infrastructure in Arctic Bay.

"We're tired of waiting for the government to do something," said spokesperson Tim Pettypiece. "At some point down the line, we have to stop relying on the government."

The group's main focus is to develop a multi-use centre, he said. Some ideas for the facility include: a hotel, a restaurant, a visitor's centre, a craft shop, an office area, a conference room and a childhood development area.

The plan is an ambitious one but the board is confident it will become a reality.

"The mine closure is starting to have an affect on the community. For Arctic Bay, the centre will be a big morale booster," Pettypiece said.

The recently elected board is still in the start-up stages but he said members are working on building community support and raising funds.

The latter is happening in part by offering shares in the project for residents to purchase.

"We want the people of Arctic Bay to have a share in this," he said.

While some grant money helped get things started, Frank May, a founding board member, said the corporation is hoping to raise about $5 million for the centre.

Instead of grants, he said the corporation would rather earn the money by renting office space to the government in the proposed new facility.

"If we build a hotel or have offices we just want to know that we can get a return on our investments," he said.

"We're not just asking for money. The government will get something in return."

Community support building

Salome Qaunaq, has already purchased shares in the corporation. She is looking forward to seeing the centre built.

"It is going to benefit the community in the long run," she said.

One benefit she anticipates is having a place for community members to gather for special events.

"We have to use the school gym. It's too small and it's always crowded," she said.

"(The centre) will mean a few extra jobs in the community."

Construction of the centre is still a few years down the road but Pettypiece said his group hopes to have some conceptual drawings finished by the end of March.

The main centre is targeted to be finished by 2006.