INUVIK
There wasn't a strong showing of community members for a public meeting on economic development Jan. 13, but those who were in attendance were heard loud and clear.

Jon Beale, development analyst with Millier Dickinson Blais, spoke to a dozen community members and representatives from the town on Jan. 13 about their thoughts on economic development in Inuvik. - Elaine Anselmi/NNSL photo

Facilitated by Jon Beale, development analyst with Millier Dickinson Blais, the company tasked with creating the town's economic development plan, and consultant Michael Pealow, attendees were asked to provide feedback on how they see the community now and where they would like to see it in the future.

"One of the biggest things we've picked up is people know there are opportunities out there, even though there are also challenges," said Beale. "People are realistic in recognizing that and that's great."

Pealow added that it is their role to take those opportunities and turn them into actions. The plan will offer a guide toward economic development in Inuvik, with performance measures in order to track its success.

The first question posed to the public was what they most appreciate about living here and what they would never want to lose.

"The wilderness," said Kylik Kisoun Taylor. "I would hate to see too much development and lose that aspect of being able to drive just out of town and into the wilderness."

An appreciation of the small size of the community and its welcoming spirit was a common thread amongst speakers. Matthew Clarke said the ability to walk down the street and see so many familiar faces everywhere you go is a unique quality.

"In the North, it's hands down the best community I've been in," said Clarke.

Some of the major sites that draw in tourists in and are emblematic of the community were Arlene Hansen's pick for Inuvik essentials: the Igloo Church and the Visitor's Centre.

"It gives people something to do that doesn't cost money," said Hansen.

As a business owner, Hansen said the Igloo Church's downtown location steers people into the shops downtown and brings people to the community in general.

That visual appeal and the positive image it emulates is something Hansen said is largely missing from the community.

"It's a dead town and it's not as exciting and vibrant as it used to be. My belief is that a community is only as healthy as what you can see with the naked eye," said Hansen.

"There is no pride emulated out by those who serve us and I think that makes a big difference and a strong difference to those who live here and visit here."

The issue of litter on the streets was reiterated numerous times by the members of public, noting that it gives off a careless image of the community, although there are people in town who do care.

"There are a lot of people that love this community but we're outnumbered by a lot of people that don't," said Kisoun Taylor.

Opportunities in improving recycling capabilities in town and having the materials trucked down to Whitehorse were also discussed, although previous attempts have been met with challenges.

The topic of job creation and industry development were the core of the discussion around bolstering the local economy.

Looking at the current job market, Clarke said it is largely government work and service jobs, when there could be significant growth in areas such as manufacturing. Jobs that are accessible to the average person, and could offer the chance for advancement are something he said is missing.

The topic of jobs was reiterated by Kisoun Taylor, who said opportunities for training and jobs to transition students into fields of their interest were lacking.

"A lot of kids here grow up that never have the chance to gain those skills," he said. "For a community to grow, you can't just have the majority of your people doing labour jobs and then shipping in people for management."

Programs that once existed, such as the federally funded Inuvik Works, which offered job training and opportunities for youth, are something the community members said are needed again.

As well as job training, greater support for entrepreneurial activities is something several community members said would be of great benefit to the community.

New food service operators, a small theatre and bookkeeping services were some of the amenities the crowd hoped to see develop in Inuvik. In order to see that, they emphasized the need for business mentorship from the ground up.

In drawing up the economic development plan, certain sectors have been focused on by the town and consultants. Within that, tourism and alternative energy development were of great interest to community members.

"I think the economic opportunity right now, with oil and gas moving on - I think it's the third or fourth time in my life lifetime that's happened - is tourism," said Jim McDonald, deputy mayor. He recognized that oil and gas opportunities will come again, but that the town should not be waiting around for it.

Kisoun Taylor agreed that tourism has huge untapped potential in the area, with its rugged landscape, proximity to the mountains, the ocean and vibrant cultures that are still intact.

"We experience things in our daily life that people wait their whole life to experience," said Kisoun Taylor. He added that new technology is a sector that the North is in a position to make serious advances.

Beale and Pealow hosted the community consultation, focus groups and meetings with various members of the business community in order to analyze the potential of the different sectors and gather feedback.

The findings toward the report will come out February, with a draft and final report formulated in March. A final presentation of the plan will be presented to town council and the public late March or early April.