Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Chantrey Inlet (Aug 27/01) - Step one: clean up the garbage.

That's what Kitikmeot Inuit Association President Charlie Evalik says needs to be done before the birthright association assumes control of the land the Chantrey Inlet Lodge sits on.

Kitikmeot Inuit Association President Charlie Evalik said last week he is prepared to enter into discussions concerning a lease on the parcel of land the Chantrey Inlet Lodge sits on. - Kerry McCluskey/NNSL photo

The property in question is located near Gjoa Haven.

"The first thing is to clean the whole thing up before any lands are turned over to KIA, so there's no liability," said Evalik, from his Cambridge Bay office last week.

In accordance with provisions of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development is required to turn over the land to the Inuit association following the expiration of the lease.

But Evalik said he doesn't want to take control of the property until the KIA lands department sees items like propane tanks and barrels removed.

Evalik also wants officials to examine the existing buildings -- used as a sport-fishing facility some 10 years ago -- to see if they're structurally sound.

Evalik said he needed to write to DIAND to inform them of KIA's cleanup recommendations and to find out how the federal government intends to proceed with the job.

At the same time, Evalik said he is prepared to enter into discussions concerning a new lease on the property.

A group of interested individuals -- including the Gjoa Haven Development Corporation -- has expressed interest in re-opening the lodge at some point as a sport-fishing and hunting lodge.

Such a business opportunity promises to replace some of the income lost following the polar bear quota reduction and moratorium in the nearby M'Clintock Channel. Through necessary renovations and the required staff and guides, the facility could employ up to 20 seasonal workers.

"We're prepared to talk about the lease," said Evalik.

"We could probably start discussions this year ... and the proponents could begin to put their business plans together."

That's good news to lodge owner Boris Kotelewetz.

"If they're saying they're interested in entering into discussions, we can only have hope," said Kotelewetz, from his home in Baker Lake.

"The idea of the lodge is to create business and to provide employment and benefits," he said.

New location

However, the Gjoa Haven Development Corp. isn't entirely sure it wants to set up shop in the same location.

Rick Phaneuf, the general manager of the community-owned corporation, said a crew planned to scout out the area around the old lodge this week, in search of a new spot to open a facility. He said they wanted to find a more accessible site.

"It's not suitable. It's too rocky, there's no place for an airstrip and you can't get around on an ATV," said Phaneuf.