Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Oct 06/00) - The future growth of Inuvik, and how to handle that growth, was a dominant topic during last week's Town of Inuvik Municipal Election 2000 Forum.

More than 50 people attended the forum, held September 28 at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex. Mayoralty candidates Peter Clarkson and Derek Lindsay took part.

Also present were council candidates Mary Beckett, George Doolittle, Chris Garven, Arlene Hansen, Vivian Hunter, Robin McConville, Michael Muller, Denny Rodgers, Vince Sharp, Garry Smith, Marja Van Nieuwenhuyzen, Wally Wolfe and Clarence Wood.

Council candidates Richard Binder and Don Craik were not in attendance.

Much of the discussion revolved around the projected boom the town may be about to experience, due to renewed interest in oil and gas in the area, and the possibility of a Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

"How will the community manage the impending changes?" Doolittle asked. "It could be a very challenging and interesting next few years."

Lindsay said the town must make sure it's not "left in the dust," like it was after the last oil boom. He said the town should sell more land and create more subdivisions.

McConville agreed council would have to ensure some of the benefits from the projected boom stay here.

Hansen cautioned, "It's very important for our community to plan our growth properly."

Smith agreed, saying, "The direction the Town of Inuvik has to take is controlled development, not just grab all the dollars we can and worry about it later."

The need for sustainable development was voiced, with Lindsay and Nieuwenhuyzen touching upon the town's beautification program and the benefits of tourism.

Wolfe and Wood said the town's infrastructure has to be improved, and Clarkson also stressed the need for "an efficient and effective municipal services."

New campus discussed

Many candidates spoke of the need to have the new Aurora College campus, which has been delayed, built as quickly as possible.

Doolittle said the proper facilities must be present to provide the necessary variety of courses.

Nieuwenhuyzen and Beckett spoke of the importance of the college, as did Muller. Lindsay and Clarkson said council must continue to put pressure on the GNWT on the campus issue.

The feasibility of a year round pool was also discussed.

Rodgers said right now the town couldn't afford a year round pool.

"I don't see it happening in the next couple of years," Rodgers said.

Sharp said he'd support a pool if it could be worked in with the new Aurora campus.

Muller said, "We can build it, we can't maintain it."

Muller suggested that the town could try to get the oil companies who will be exploring and drilling nearby to donate funds for such a pool.

Clarkson agreed a year round pool would be a challenge, but said it'd be possible, "if we had five committed people in this community who worked on fund-raising."