Inuvik (Oct 06/06) - Arlene Hansen says she feels proud whenever she drives on Kugmallit street.

That's where "the Inuvik Express," a popular children's park, was installed a few weeks ago.

Deputy Mayor Arlene Hansen, shown here at the "Inuvik Express" park on Kugmallit, has won 11 consecutive elections for town council and District Education Authority. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

Hansen said the park was built after three years of planning and organization.

It took a lot of hard work to get people resettled and zoning laws approved, she said, but it's finally worth it.

"I've been there a couple of times," she said. "Even when it was raining, there were kids."

As a member of Inuvik's council and District Education Authority for the past 22 years, Hansen said she's seen many success stories.

These include campaigning to create Aurora College as part of the Arctic College Board in 1985/1986, helping to create the skatepark and other recreation facilities and serving as Deputy Mayor to Peter Clarkson.

Now, Hansen said there is more work to do.

She said Inuvik needs a program for regular maintenance of buildings, continued paving, perhaps new sidewalks, a welcoming gateway or even an amphitheatre in Jim Koe park. "These are some of my dreams," she said.

And while Hansen said it's important to focus on matters of infrastructure and maintenance, she also feels it's important to think big; to expand current recreation facilities and anticipate future needs.

"For some people, just having a trail to walk their dog is important. For others, it's women's hockey," she said.

It's because of this that Hansen is the mayoral candidate with the strongest focus on recreation.

"Some call it frills, I call it quality of life," she said on Sept. 27.If Hansen is elected Mayor, it will be the 12th straight election she wins.