Inuvik (Sep 29/06) - Peter Clarkson remembers when being mayor of Inuvik was considered a part-time job.

"I always saw it as a full-time job. If you look at the hours it takes to be mayor, it's way more than 40 hours a week."

Inuvik Mayor Peter Clarkson says his successor will have to tackle many issues, such as the proposed pipeline and the town's aging infrastructure. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

But as he prepares to pass the torch to a successor, Clarkson has no complaints about the long hours spent in town hall.

He credits town council for dealing with important issues, which will affect Inuvik's development for years to come. On Sept. 26, as mayoral candidates prepared for a public debate, the Inuvik Drum asked Clarkson to choose four important topics which he felt would affect Inuvik's development in upcoming years.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the first issue Clarkson raised was the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

"I think we'll have to deal with the Mackenzie Gas Project, and what that means for the town," he said.

Clarkson said the pipeline might change Inuvik's financial landscape by giving a boost to the local economy.

While such a boom might have benefits - such as increased population and greater local investment - Clarkson said it might also cause problems, including rowdy travelling workers looking for fun on the weekends, or a price hike for real estate.

"There is a potential impact, both for good and bad," Clarkson said.

"We've been pretty proactive to try and have property available for people to set up business or whatever. But there are needs we'll have to address as a municipal government."

Another issue Clarkson mentioned is recreation, and the developing role of the Inuvik Family Centre and other facilities.

While the town is in debt because of the centre, Clarkson said he is confident its benefits will be felt in upcoming years.

"I think it's been a great facility that's really added to the quality of life," he said.

Clarkson added that the Family Centre might even help Inuvik's economy by encouraging workers to stay in town.

"The retention of employees is better. Whether we're hiring doctors, financial officers or people driving heavy equipment, they want good facilities for their families. There are lots of benefits that aren't easily quantifiable."

While facilities like the Family Centre might be gleaming and new, Clarkson said he was surprised at Inuvik's deteriorating infrastructure.

He mentioned that Inuvik's roads, sewers and "utilidor" systems are rapidly growing old and are in need of renovation.

"We've had to replace a lot of utilidors," he said. "Luckily we've been able to get some funding from the territorial and federal government(s).

"But we thought they were going to last longer and it's been a surprise."

As a fourth issue, Clarkson mentioned Inuvik's recent wave of property crime, which has affected dozens of business and home owners.

"Every fall, when we get into a dark season, we see an increase in vandalism," he said.

While suggestions about youth curfews, a citizens on patrol program or increased security systems have been discussed, Clarkson said Inuvik's new mayor will no doubt struggle with the issue.

"There is no one answer. Parents taking responsibility for their kids is a good starting point.

"It's not an RCMP problem, it's not a town problem, it's not a Gwich'in or Inuvialuit problem, it's a community problem.

"We all need to work together," he said.