Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 15/98) - Inuvik shoppers could, in the near future, be buying goods and services from a new co-operative.

Arctic Co-operatives Ltd. (ACL) and Stanton Distribution Company Ltd. are proposing development of an Inuvik Beaufort Delta Co-op.

It would be located in central Inuvik on town-owned land across from the senior's home on Bonnetplume Road.

Developers of the proposed co-op have offered to purchase an 18-month option to buy the land.

Inuvik's town council was briefed Wednesday on a study to develop the merchandising and service complex and a bylaw on an option to buy town land was given first and second reading.

A feasibility study has progressed to the point where site-specific expenditures like design, engineering and costs are required.

The study, funded by ACL, Stanton and Resources Wildlife and Economic Development, will be done by NWT Co-operative Business Development Fund and Ile Royale Enterprises.

Stanton, which started in 1982 as a camp supplier, is equally-owned by Danny Smith and the Inuvialuit Development Corp.

Smith said it is too early to tell what role, if any, he will play in a completed co-op.

"It will be good for the community to have another major retailer in town," he said.

A new co-op would compete with the existing Northern Store.

Ile Royale is based in Yellowknife but has roots in Inuvik. The company's president is David Connelly.

ACL currently has a presence in Inuvik through its Northern Images store and through co-op taxi services.

Size, cost and timing of the new complex will depend on results of the feasibility study, ACL chief executive officer Andy Smith said Thursday.

The objective of the new complex will be retail, food, and general merchandise, he added.

"We know Inuvik is a fair size in relation to other communities. We know there is a solid retail market there."

Inuvik Mayor George Roach said a retail operation was proposed on the same site several years ago. Developers even sunk pilings, but the plan stalled as the town's economy declined.

Roach said town council supports new development.

"The site is ideal for (a merchandise and services complex)."

The NWT co-operatives include 42 co-operatively-owned and controlled community business enterprises. They employ over 700 Northerners. Combined revenues are over $80 million and assets exceed $65 million.