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Newsbriefs: Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Pilot's Monument closed tomorrow
Pilot's Monument will be closed for maintenance tomorrow. According to an e-mail from Richard McIntosh, spokesperson for the city, the steps leading up to the Old Town lookout are being re-painted.
The work is not expected to take more than a day, including the drying of paint, McIntosh stated. Public access to Pilot's Monument will re-open Friday and updated information will be posted on the city's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
The monument is expected to be busier than usual July 6 to 9 for the bi-annual Midnight Sun Fly In.
- John McFadden
Charge stayed against sex offender
A man convicted of sexual assault earlier this year had a charge of breaching his court conditions stayed in territorial court yesterday. The charge against Daniel Gillis, 51, was in connection to alleged contact with his victim last month. Crown prosecutor Billi Wun told judge Garth Malakoe the charge was being stayed, which means the Crown can re-introduce it within a given time period. Gillis is to be sentenced by judge Robert Gorin for convictions on sexual assault and assault on the same woman on July 28.
- John McFadden
Status of Women Council hires new leader
The head of the Status of Women Council of the NWT is leaving her position.
Executive director Lorraine Phaneuf is stepping aside after 12 years of service, according to a news release from the organization.
Samantha Thomas, who has been working for the Status of Women Council for seven years, is taking over the position.
- Kirsten Fenn
Rental subsidy not used by residents
A report by Canada's housing authority found Yellowknife residents were not taking advantage of a rent subsidy program, despite many not being able to afford rent in the city. The report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation stated only 72 per cent of renters could afford rent or ownership of a home at market rates in Yellowknife.
The report also showed a government rent subsidy program, the Transitional Rent Supplement Program, had only been used by 68 people in 2015. Households that earn under $70,000 and spend 30 per cent or more of their income on rent are eligible for a $500 monthly rental subsidy.
- Emelie Peacock
Getting turfed
Indoor soccer continues to rise in popularity in Whale Cove as the hamlet begins its second summer with removable artificial turf in the community arena. The turf was funded by the Kivalliq Inuit Association.
Whale Cove Mayor Stanley Adjuk said the association really has no idea how much its purchase of the turf has helped his community.
Air show
The Canadian Aviation Tour was scheduled to appear in Rankin Inlet June 26. The airshow was planned to take place near the inlet to the Meliadine River and the area near Johnson's Cove, with six vintage planes taking to the skies at 1:30 p.m. After the show, at about 3:30 p.m., the pilots were scheduled to make an appearance near the arena to answer questions and chat with residents.
Bike safety
The Naujaat detachment of the RCMP is organizing a bike rodeo and safety demonstration June 28 between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. in front of Tusarvik School in Naujaat. The rodeo is an opportunity for youth to learn about the rules of the road and how to be safe while riding. There will be prizes and a goodie bag for all who participate.
Store safe stolen
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
A pair of thieves broke into Umingmak Supply during the early morning hours of June 18 and made off with the store's safe.
It was a planned job by the two criminals, who showed up with the tools to break in and avoided being seen clearly enough by security cameras to be identified. As of press time, no arrests had been made in the case.
Science camp
The Actua science camp is underway in Rankin Inlet this week from June 26 to 30.
The camp is being held at the community hall and runs daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Boil water
Naujaat/ Repulse Bay
A boil water advisory was put in place in Naujaat this past week due to operational issues at the community's water-treatment plant.
Residents were advised to bring their water to a rolling boil for one full minute if it's to be used for drinking, preparing baby formula, preparing juice or ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, cooking and brushing teeth. Naujaat residents were told the advisory would remain in place until further notice.
Territorial soccer
The boy's and girl's U15 Nunavut Soccer Territorial Championship gets underway tomorrow, June 29, in Iqaluit.
The teams competing at the event include Rankin Inlet, Whale Cove, Arviat, Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour, Iqaluit and Iglulik.
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