Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Mar 22/00) - The hamlet of Rankin Inlet is considering becoming a township in order to have more control over capital planning.

The move and its ramifications were discussed earlier this month at a meeting between hamlet council, territorial Transportation Minister Jack Anawak and Housing Minister Manitok Thompson.

Although cautious, Anawak sounded supportive of the move. He said by becoming a township, Rankin would have more ability to do its own capital planning and more input into funding areas where the territorial government may still play a role.

"This is a decision of the people of Rankin Inlet on whether it benefits them to become a township," stressed Anawak.

"Tax-based communities do have more freedom to spend tax dollars.

A township has more opportunity to shape its own capital plan."

Community Government and Transportation's Shawn Maley said communities historically receive block funding, with some capital negotiated with the government.

He said communities choose how to spend negotiated capital, but it doesn't include additional funding for utilidors, schools, etc.

"If Rankin were to become a township, the government's position is that the community would take the responsibility of administering taxes and collecting revenues the government has collected in the past," said Maley. The community would also have the right to increase taxes on certain items.

A plebiscite could be held on a new arena, for example, asking taxpayers if they'd be prepared to pay the extra money for the time needed to fund the project.

"There's more control over how money is spent."

Council members asked a number of questions regarding taxes, capital planning and the administering of services.

In response to Mayor Simon Okpatauyuk's statement that the hamlet is seriously considering the move and wants to gather and analyze as much information as possible, both Anawak and Thompson said the Nunavut Government would do everything it can to provide as much information as council needs.

"We want to ensure you get the necessary assistance in planning whatever direction you want to go," said Anawak. "If you are seriously considering becoming a township, let us know and we will help you."