Hamlets work together on common issues
Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services
Repulse Bay (May 21/01) - Mayor Donat Milortok and his council have support in their belief that Repulse Bay needs its own RCMP detachment.
The hamlet of Kugaaruk (Pelly Bay) endorsed the idea during a recent meeting between the councils from the two communities.
"I've been really working on that this winter," said Milortok, whose town boasts a population of 635.
He said he's found a contractor capable of building the necessary housing and office space and was now waiting to hear from the RCMP. He said he was told recently the matter would be raised at a national police conference.
Kugaaruk's support was recorded as one of seven resolutions made during April's co-council meetings.
The second session of its kind, the regular meetings were organized last year to give the communities the opportunity to develop united demands that MLA Ovide Alakannuark could take to the legislative assembly.
The communities believe that by joining forces they'll be able to overcome problems they encounter.
Last month's meetings were held in Kugaaruk.
Kugaaruk Deputy Mayor Remi Krikort said the three-day affair was worthwhile.
"To get stuff, you have to agree first," said Krikort.
"It makes it easier (for our MLA) when he goes to the legislature," he said.
Kugaaruk senior administrator Quinn Taggart said another top-priority resolution included dealing with both hamlets' struggle for adequate fuel capacity.
While expansion plans are in the works for his own hamlet, Repulse Bay is still fighting for another fuel storage tank.
"The tank farm capacity in Repulse Bay is hitting its limit and ours is obviously over the limit," said Taggart.
"We want to support Repulse Bay in their effort," he said.
Taggart also said the hamlets wanted community consultation during the drafting of their five-year capital plans. He called the current process flawed and said it excluded the people and politicians most in touch with hamlet needs.
"You've got people who haven't got a clue what's going on in the community making decisions about where capital dollars are going to be spent," he said.
Taggart also cited increased Brighter Futures funding as important; said they wanted the government to conduct a feasibility study on building a road to join the two communities; reconsider the current electoral boundaries; and lobby the government to increased forced-growth funding.
The next co-council meeting will take place in September.
