Rankin Inlet (Mar 29/06) - Recreation facilities are often the cornerstone of communities.

Without them, residents would be bored stiff, which can land the younger crowd on the wrong side of the law in short order.

But more often than not, facilities are not up to snuff.

Territorial hubs like Rankin seem to be doing OK, but even there officials have wish lists.

The recent Kivalliq traditional doll-making workshop, for example, had to be hosted in the Rankin Inlet Youth Centre because there was no room at the community centre.

In this first instalment of a two-part series on recreation facilities, Kivalliq News looks at what is the heart of many Nunavut communities come winter - the arena.

The greatest crowd-pleaser in Rankin is the multi-use community centre’s arena which features an artificial ice surface.

"Most communities don’t have (an ice-maker) and I know why ... it kills us on power," said senior administrative officer John Hodgson.

Most say it's worth the expense.

The ice machine was installed three years ago, said complex maintainer Joseph Innukshuk, and since then even more people hit the rink for good times.

"Ever since we got it people got more into hockey. There are less cracks on the ice so it is less dangerous," he said. "They cannot ignore the rink now because they are having too much fun."

The Arviat arena is part of the John Ollie Complex, which includes the community hall. Arviat, like most hamlets, relies on natural ice.

"Most of (the facilities) mark from fair to good," said community recreation co-ordinator Nick Arnalukjuak, adding there’s always room for improvement.

The community could benefit from a lobby expansion in the Ollie Complex and a bigger arena.

Whale Cove also enjoys its natural ice surface, which is maintained with a Zamboni.

"It's a good arena and good ice," said recreation co-ordinator Sheba Arualak.

"We just had a tournament here last weekend."

The building is heated, well-insulated and well-maintained, she said.

"It's about 10 years old, the arena, so it's in excellent condition."

- Next week, Kivalliq News will look at the other recreation facilities available in these three communities.