RANKIN INLET/KIVALLIQ - Repulse Bay, Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet received $10.1 million for infrastructure projects this past week.

Both Whale ($4.1 million) and Repulse ($5 million) received funding for new community centres, while Rankin was awarded $1 million for a retrofit of its arena.

Federal Treasury Board president Vic Toews announced $10.1 million for infrastructure projects in Rankin Inlet, Repulse Bay and Whale Cove in Rankin this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The money was supplied through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), with the federal and Nunavut governments each contributing 50 per cent.

The funding will be delivered over two years.

The Canada-Nunavut MRIF supports smaller municipal projects that meet pressing infrastructure needs for clean drinking water, waste water, culture, recreation, tourism and green projects.

Federal Treasury Board president Vic Toews was in Rankin to make the announcement on behalf of Northern Development Minister Chuck Strahl.

Toews said the money for the Rankin arena will be put to good use.

He said the $1 million isn't just to fill a hole, but to bring the arena to a better standard until the municipal and territorial governments set their priorities.

"The federal government doesn't go into a community and dictate its priorities," said Toews.

"The Nunavut government is quite aware of the concern, and need, for a new facility in Rankin, and I'm sure those discussions will continue to resolve that issue.

"I assume the decision made here is that there's still some lifespan left in this building, and $1 million will go towards extending and maintaining it while discussions go on with respect to, potentially, a new facility.

"If the will and need are there to build a new arena, I don't think the federal government is going to stand in the way as long as it fits within the criteria of the program."

Toews said the feds would have voiced concern over $1 million going into the arena if they didn't see any potential in the move.

He said the federal government is involved in the funding decisions because it doesn't want to throw good money after bad.

"In this case, the $1 million is enhancing the facility and is a prudent investment.

"And, while there may well need to be discussion about a new facility - and the extent of that facility - I leave that for another day and in the hands of the territorial and local governments."

Community and Government Services assistant deputy minister Shawn Maley said while the money is greatly appreciated by the three communities, the infrastructure deficit in Nunavut remains substantial.

"We all know programs like this don't meet the mark for our infrastructure needs," said Maley.

"However, they do assist us and, during the past few years, the Government of Canada has been much-more understanding in terms of our needs and applications.

"The federal government moved away from a per capita allocation, which resulted in a substantial gain in the amount of funding awards Nunavut receives.

"The people of Whale Cove and Repulse are very excited about getting their own community hall, and this will help prolong the life of this building in Rankin, so it's money well spent."

Rankin Inlet Mayor Lorne Kusugak said he's happy anytime the community receives money to improve existing infrastructure.

He said the hamlet will have to confer with local engineers and architects to see how to best utilize the money.

"It may be difficult to increase the capacity of the building, so we may replace the boards and glass and look at ways to improve the dressing rooms," said Kusugak.

"It would be nice if the hamlet could match this $1 million and put it towards a new $10- or $12-million facility we really need.

"I'm happy for the people of Repulse and Whale Cove because they really needed new community centres for their communities.

"But our arena and community hall is an old dilapidated building that you can only fix up so much."

Repulse Bay Mayor Johnny Tagornak said his community is overjoyed at the idea of finally having its own community centre once again.

He said Repulse has been without a community centre since its old one burned down in 1992 and a new hall is going to have a positive impact on the community.

"Tusarvik school has been great in helping to pick up the slack over the years, but it isn't the same as having your own hall," said Tagornak.

"We hope to see material arrive this summer and once the hall is completed, we will finally have a place for the community to gather again.

"We've been without a community centre for a long, long time and it was a big day for us to hear this money was made available.

"A new community centre has been in the works for some time and it will be a big day for Repulse Bay when it's finally completed."