Iqaluit (Jan 17/05) - About 45 residents frustrated with the City of Iqaluit administration want to form a homeowners association to challenge future decisions.

"We have no voice right now," said resident Jamie Flaherty during the Tuesday meeting at the Nunavut Employees Union building.

"We need to reactivate the ratepayer's association," said another resident, Larry Simpson.

Hot topics such as roads, infrastructure and the tax rate were posted up on pieces of paper around the room. Everyone was given red stickers to mark the issues that they wanted to deal with.

Everyone had a different story about their dealings with City Hall administration.

Under the current administration, many homeowners said they don't get adequate service for the taxes they pay.

Their concerns fall on deaf ears at the City of Iqaluit, many people in the room said.

"The rubber stamp on public participation just isn't right," said homeowner Ed McKenna. "There is no public access to the committees (at City Hall)."

Jonah Kelly, an Iqaluit resident since the 1960s, said he has seen ratepayers associations come and go.

"The city has never consulted the people, never approached the people about what they would like to see with regards to homeownership," he said.

"There is a breakdown in communication. We need information," said Keith Irving, an Iqaluit resident for 19 years and a former council member.

Irving said a "unified voice" like a homeowners association would give people a better way of participating in decisions made by the City of Iqaluit.

The next homeowners meeting is set for Jan. 19.