Rankin trying to make dream a reality
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (Apr 11/01) - An artificial ice surface may become a reality in Rankin Inlet.
At a recent meeting in Iqaluit between Community Government and Transportation (CG&T) Minister Jack Anawak and hamlet representatives, the idea of a concrete floor being installed in the Rankin arena to make it a multi-purpose facility was discussed.
Hamlet Coun. Louis Taparti says the idea has merit, but would need to be approved by council.
"Jack (Anawak) gave us the impression if we had something done like a concrete floor, it would be easier for his department to justify putting artificial ice in Rankin," says Taparti. "But, we have some council members who are concerned about putting down a concrete floor in the arena because of how badly the concrete floor in Baker Lake has shifted in just a few years.
"If we're going to do it, we have to do it properly and make sure there's insulation put in place before the concrete."
CG&T has a concrete apron extension in its capital plan for the Rankin airport. There might be an opportunity -- should the hamlet provide the necessary equipment and manpower -- for CG&T to combine the apron expansion and concrete floor into one project.
"We are going to ask NTCL to support our community by transporting the concrete here free of charge.
If they're willing to contribute to our community in that way, it would certainly go a long way towards bringing artificial ice to Rankin."
Taparti says he's convinced CG&T is trying hard to accomplish a number of requested projects in the Kivalliq region.
He says the projects seem to slow down or stop all together once they reach Iqaluit.
"We hear the only voice against Rankin's artificial ice is (Iqaluit MLA) Hunter Tootoo's.
"When the Nunavut Government was doing the budget in Iqaluit, members spent about two hours arguing about $300,000 that may be geared towards artificial ice and one hour debating the use of $12 million."
