UQSUQTUUQ/GJOA HAVEN - The Hamlet of Gjoa Haven and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association are announcing that they have awarded Arctic Canada Construction Ltd. to design and build a visitors' centre for the community.

The goal of the centre will be to highlight the arts, crafts and culture of the region and promote tourism in the area.

"The community is excited. This is something they've wanted for a long time and are looking forward to the benefits it will bring," said Ed Stewart, economic development officer for the hamlet of Gjoa Haven. "The centre will be 1,500 square-feet of world-class arts and crafts and examples of our culture."

The project is supported through funds provided by the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Conservation Area Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreements, and long term management funding through the Government of Nunavut's Community Economic Development fund, program through the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.

The centre is expected to be completed by the summer of 2012.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.