Inuvik (Feb 11/05) - As Inuvik experiences a surge in property sales and construction fuelled by pipeline speculation, council wants to formulate a strategic plan for the town.

"We've started the process of initial discussions (for the plan)," said Mayor Peter Clarkson. "(Now we have) to decide what are the priorities and what we want to accomplish."

Clarkson points to the five-year paving program, which began last year, as prior planning and says diversifying the town's economy is something he would like to see addressed in any future strategy sessions.

Councillor Clarence Wood says he wants more planned development built into any strategic plan.

"I'd like the town to be more organized instead of running around like a chicken with its head cut off," he said, adding that he had the feeling previous development permits, such as for the new hospital, were issued without any forethought.

"That place should have been in a more centralized location. Now there's talk of a new elementary school. Wouldn't it be nice to have a community plan where a new school might be close to housing?"

Councillor Arlene Hansen is also interested in addressing planned development. Expanding recreational activity options and looking at ways to exploit tourism opportunities are high priorities for Hansen.

"We've got one walking area around Boot Lake. Do we want another one north of Wolverine Road?" she wondered.

Recently, the town decided to hire a consultant to evaluate the town's energy plan, which includes buying a 25 per cent share of Inuvik Gas. Councillor Terry Halifax says the same thing should be done for infrastructure and recycling.

"Some things are done piecemeal," he said. "New garbage trucks and bins were purchased without even looking at recycling. You can't plan down the road unless you look at today."

But with any wish list comes the cost factor and according to Senior Financial Officer for the town Mark Wiber, the projected 2005 budget does not include much room for extra expenditures.

The town's 2005 budget projects $11.6 million in revenues and expenditures.

In 2004, the town collected revenues of $3.5 million from property taxes, $2.4 million from utilities, $2.3 million from land sales, $2.1 million from GNWT transfer payments and more than $1 million from its trade shows, the fitness centre, licences and fines.

That same year the town budget was approximately $18 million --nearly $7 million higher than the projected $11.6 million budget for 2005.

This was due in part to a $5 million loan for construction of the Family Centre and more than $2 million for utilidor repairs and paving over and above its planned budget for that fiscal year.