Paulatuk (Nov 06/06) - Paulatuk' will be asking the territorial government for an extension while it decides how to spend a $450,000 infrastructure grant.

The community's mayor, Ray Ruben, said there are simply too many choices to make in spending the NWT's Community Capacity Building Fund, given two years ago.

While the hamlet has decided on a new multipurpose building, Ruben said it will not be able to meet the Nov. 1 deadline for plans.

He said the floor plans for the new building are not complete and there is still debate as to whether it should share space with the arena.

"We've been at it for the last year," Ruben said of the planning.

"We're fine-tuning it and still seeing what's going on. Hopefully this will satisfy some long-standing requests from the community."

Ruben added the building would contain office space, an elders' centre, space for classes and a youth centre, similar to the one in Inuvik.

Another use for the grant has been Paulatuk's new transportation system, which Ruben described as a single wheelchair-accessible van.

He said residents had originally called for a school bus, but this was later changed to something the entire community could use.

He added the grant will also be used to fix Paulatuk's community freezer, which broke in the summer.

"It will have new equipment and we're also thinking about installing private lockers," he said.

While Ruben's first two-year term as mayor will soon end, he said he intends to run for re-election so he can see the project through.

"It's a big opportunity for the community to get what it wants. I want to see this accomplished," he said.