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INUVIK
Work is continuing to progress on the Children's First Centre in Inuvik.

Most of the windows have been installed in the Children's First Centre building. The windows will maximize incoming natural light once neighbouring Sir Alexander Mackenzie School is torn down. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

Crews are planning to work through the winter once the exterior of the building is completed, which includes installing windows and finishing the roof.

So far, most of the windows have been installed and the outer deck, which will lead to the playground, has been built.

"The crews work seven days a week," said Peter Clarkson, who is on the construction committee.

"They're here all day working under the lights."

At this point, the exterior work was expected to be further along but there were delays in the delivery of some materials. When Canadian Forces personnel were in Inuvik for Operation Nanook, some of the soldiers were going to help with construction but unfortunately, without the materials, they were limited in what they could do, said Clarkson.

"They did get a lot of painting done on the pilings and they helped us move some materials," he said.

Fundraising efforts are non-stop, and the Children First Society recently entered the semifinals of the nationwide Aviva Community Fund, sponsored by an insurance company.

The Inuvik proposal asks for $50,000 for playground equipment and installation. Last year, the society made it all the way to the finals but fell short of winning.

"This year everyone in the finals gets some funding," said Clarkson.

Paula Guy, chair of the Inuvik Child Development Centre, said Aviva loved the concept of the project last year but the idea was too broad for funding.

"It was heartbreaking in the end, so this year we've narrowed it down to a smaller category and focused on the playground equipment," she said.

The Children's First building is 15 years in the making and will cost an estimated $6.5 million to build. Another $500,000 is needed to fulfill the budget.

When completed, the facility will provide a permanent home for the Inuvik Child Development Centre, Aboriginal Head Start, Totspot Daycare and the Inuvik Preschool.

Estimated completion of the project is next September.

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