Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Kivalliq (Oct 25/00) - Hunters in Coral Harbour, Arviat and Baker Lake are getting some help with bad weather.

A new weather service is now available. Hunters in the three hamlets can call 1-866-558-5551 for current and extended local forecasts.

Jim Cameron, a spokesperson for the Department of Community Government and Transportation, says the service is a joint effort of Environment Canada and the Nunavut Emergency Services office.

"When people phone up, they hear the actual weather forecast for these three hamlets," says Cameron.

"Then, if they stay on the line, they'll also hear the extended, five-day forecast for each hamlet."

Hunters in Rankin Inlet, Whale Cove and Chesterfield Inlet can phone 645-3739 for their local forecasts.

Only Repulse Bay is currently without the service in Kivalliq.

Forecasts for the Kivalliq are compiled by Environment Canada's Arctic Weather Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.

Cameron says Inuktitut translations are also available for callers to the 645-3739 number between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Translations for Baker Lake, Arviat and Coral Harbour hunters are still about a year away.

"Luke Issaluk does the translations into Inuktitut for the Rankin, Chester and Whale forecasts when he's in the office.

"Basically, he'll translate the 9 a.m. forecast in Inuktitut and it will stay on until it's wiped out by the 4 p.m. forecast.

"He also translates the Rankin number's marine forecast and tide tables into Inuktitut when he can.

"We'd like to really see hunters utilize these services so it will greatly reduce any chance of them getting caught in a blizzard out on the land."