Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Aug 21/00) - Elder Joanasie Shaimaijuk wanted to build a cabin out on Iqaluit's causeway to keep his hands busy. He wouldn't have so much time to think about his deceased son.

He also wanted his wife, whose health is not the best, to be able to breathe the fresh ocean air.

Before beginning to build, Shaimaijuk consulted with town councillors. They told him to go ahead.

However, on June 30, the Town of Iqaluit issued a stop work order, stating the shack violated the area's zoning bylaw.

On July 11, Shaimaijuk appeared before town council to remind them he had been given verbal permission to build.

The councillors who gave the go ahead said they didn't know about the town's development and fire regulations when they gave him permission.

Shaimaijuk then asked if he could wait for the snow to fall so he could tow the cabin away with his snowmobile. Council agreed.

Town manager Rick Butler used the Shaimaijuk case as an example of council's need to draw up a new zoning policy.

Of particular interest are the shacks that line the beach in Iqaluit. According to the current bylaw, the beach is designated as public space, which means residents can't build there. However, some of the shacks predate the creation of the zoning policy.

Butler did not say whether any of the shacks on the beach would have to be moved once a new policy was drawn up.

"Eventually there will be some adjustments," said Butler. "But let's get to the plan first."

Butler said the town is working on a new policy with a southern engineering company.

"We're going to present the new zoning policy to council in September," said Butler, who emphasized the need to be sensitive.

Deputy Mayor Ben Ell reinforced that sentiment: "We have to respect traditional Inuit practices," he said.