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IKALUKTUTIAK/CAMBRIDGE BAY - A year to the day after a fire threatened to destroy the Kitikmeot Health Centre in Cambridge Bay, the Department of Health and Social Services held an open house at the building to show its appreciation for all the community's efforts in maintaining services in the fire's aftermath.

"The open house was held to thank the community for their support during the fire, because we never got a chance to earlier," said Clara Evalik, regional director of health and social services. "We were acknowledging the whole community for their help and support."

Evalik said the event was well-attended, with 70 to 80 residents stopping by the health centre over the course of the day for some free food and a tour of the facility.

On Aug. 1, 2007, a fire began on the second floor of the health centre when, during a test, the newly-installed incinerator overheated.

The $19.5 million building was saved, but sustained more than $1 million in damages.

"It was mostly smoke and water damage, towards the back of the building," said Evalik, adding that firefighters limited the blaze to that area, and no medical equipment was lost.

Keith Peterson, MLA for Cambridge Bay, said the fire could have been much more costly, with personal health documents just barely escaping the blaze.

"Amazingly, at great personal risk, volunteers entered the building and began to transfer the personal files and patient records to the community hall across the street," he said.

"Everyone reacted very well and nobody was hurt, thank goodness," said Evalik.

For nearly seven weeks after the fire, the community hall was used to store the documents.

Also, the community hall and the wellness centre - the site of the old health centre - were turned into makeshift clinics.

"The whole community pulled together to provide our staff with support and assistance," said Evalik.

Most of the damages caused by the fire were recovered through insurance, Evalik said. She added that the fire marshal had yet to release his final report on the incident.

The Kitikmeot Health Centre first opened its doors in October 2005.

At the time of the fire, the building had not yet been completed and many planned services had not yet begun operation. The open house showcased the now-finished facility to the public.

"The renovations are pretty well done," said Evalik, adding the health centre is now completely functional and in full use.