Repulse lobbies for new community freezer
Maria Canton
Northern News Services
Repulse Bay (Nov 01/00) - Residents in Repulse Bay were left with a freezer full of rotten meat this past summer.
Every spring more than 300 people use the 20-year-old community freezer to store their meat.
But the 21-foot-by-21-foot freezer broke down three times last summer.
"It is too small and very old. People are always asking when we are going to get it fixed, but it always breaks again," said Mayor Donet Milortok. "Last time the repairman came to look at it, he told us it wasn't worth fixing."
The freezer is used from March until December. During the winter months meat can be stored outside.
The hamlet has asked their MLA, Ovide Alakannuark, to plead their case in the legislative assembly this week.
"If the government can't help us out, I don't know what we'll do. Maybe we'll have to try and make it last another year or go without," said Milortok.
But going without a freezer isn't really an option when country food is the community main source of sustenance.
The secretary-manager of the local Hunters and Trappers Organization says the freezer is a necessity.
"The freezer is very handy for the community, not everyone has their own freezer or else they don't have enough room in their freezer," said Paul Mablik. "During the summer it is always full with caribou, fish and muuktaq."
As well, Repulse has often stored meat from other towns.
The hamlet will wait until they receive an answer from the government before taking further action.
