Town welcomes new faces
Employees hit the ground running
Sarah Ladik
Northern News Services
Thursday, March 17, 2016
INUVIK
The Town of Inuvik has two new members on its team after recent hires filled vacant positions.
Lise Saumur, left, and Vicky Gregoire-Tremblay are new additions to the Town of Inuvik team. They have taken on the positions of director of community services and economic development and tourism officer, respectively. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo
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Vicky Gregoire-Tremblay is the new economic development and tourism manager and Lise Saumur has taken over the position of director of community services.
"I've always been drawn by the Arctic," said Gregoire-Tremblay. "I've lived in lots of places pretty much around the world."
She said that while the downturn in industry development has caused some challenges, it is also an opportunity for new ideas to come forward, making this the best time to be in Inuvik.
"I've really enjoyed my time here to far," she said, adding she has been impressed with both the projects she is working on and the people she is working with. "I think many things will be challenges, but at the same time, there's a sense of energy in the community that will help with economic development, and will be good for tourism as well."
Saumur was impressed with how welcoming the community has been. While she said she has been out of the field for several years, she is happy to be returning to recreation.
"I can't believe how much activity there is here," she said. "The last job I had, it was 13 small communities in one large community. Here, it just seems like everybody is one."
She complimented the facilities in Inuvik, saying how astounding it is that a community of this size can have everything it does in terms of recreation options.
"I'd like to embellish what's already there. We have a good facility and great staff," she said. "But everything in its own time. There are things I'd like to see change, but nothing horrendous."
Saumur said her first priority is to get around to as many organizations and groups in town as possible to get a feel for what people are looking for.
"There are so many of them. I just want everyone to know my door is open," she said.
Senior administrative officer Grant Hood said he is pleased with the new additions to the team and he expects great things from them.
"We're really excited. They come from a really good background, both of them," Hood said.
"They've gotten themselves full-bore into everything, and they're welcome additions."
