KUGLUKTUK/COPPERMINE - A new taxi service began operating in Kugluktuk earlier this month.

Grant Newman, owner of Kikiak Contracting, has launched a new taxi service called Kikiak Taxi in Kugluktuk. - photo courtesy of Kikiak Contracting

On May 2, Kikiak Contracting – a major employer in the community of approximately 1,500 people – began running Kikiak Taxi using a 2003 GMC minivan.

Grant Newman owns and runs both companies with his wife, Chrissy.

"We have another van that's supposed to be the taxi, but it's having mechanical issues. We just haven't been able to figure it out as of yet so we just, so we put the other one on the road," said Newman.

Kugluktuk's last taxi service folded last summer and even though the economics are against Kikiak Taxi, especially in the warmer summer months, Newman said he's committed to stick with his new venture because it fills an important gap in the hamlet.

"The main reason for it was the need," he said, adding that there's always someone in need of a ride to and from the airport.

Stephen Novak, Kugluktuk's economic development officer, agreed.

"There are people who are less mobile than others to get around and do their shopping and also to get to the airport," said Novak. "There aren't a lot of personal vehicles in town so sometimes it can be difficult, especially to get a ride to the airport."

The community has gotten used to having a taxi company in town, he added.

"We've had a taxi in the past, and if you have something and it's gone, you seem to miss it that much more as opposed to if that service was never available," said Novak. "So even though it's not a huge market, I definitely think that it's a necessary service. The ability of Kikiak to use their resources to provide that service – I think it goes beyond the demand."

Kikiak Taxi has created new jobs for two people who take helm of the van from 10am to 6:30pm, when the Northern Store and the Kugluktuk Co-op close.

"Originally, when we started it, they were doing seven-hour shifts each a day, so they would start at 8am and finish at 10pm," said Newman.

"That wasn't only over a week and that didn't really pay off very well. It was too much of nobody calling for rides."

Some customers have chafed at paying his rates, particularly $15 for a one-way ride to the airport, added Newman.

"I know there was an initial indication that possibly was too expensive for the airport rides, but the rate is standard with what's been charged consistently," he said.

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