Jillian Dickens
Northern News Services

Tuktoyaktuk (Aug 29/05) - The Tuktoyaktuk peninsula is being eaten by erosion, and no amount of money can stop it.

"We're fighting a losing battle and we know that," said deputy mayor Merven Gruben. "We've been playing dumb for too long."

Reports released three years ago predicted the loss of 15 buildings on the western side of the peninsula -- where most erosion occurs -- within 25 years.

Most of the buildings are owned by the Tuktoyaktuk Housing Association, but an adult learning centre and two privately owned homes are also in the area.

In 2003 Municipal and Community Affairs gave the hamlet $144,450 to haul rocks and rip-rap from Inuvik. Rip rap is made of broken stones, laid over loose ground to prevent erosion. Since then, next to no funds have been allocated, said Gruben.

"We've been given money for band-aid jobs," Gruben said. "That's all."

John Picek, Municipal and Community Affairs regional superintendent, said that since 1975 more than $1 million was spent on shoreline studies and reinforcement.

The plan is to continue fighting erosion through rip-rap and rock, and to gradually relocate the community.

Gruben said the entire community - not just the buildings on the beach - is at risk from flooding.

"We are basically at sea level here. If a flood happens, we will be on some high hills for sure - especially because we don't have a road to get out of here."