Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 30/01) - Plans are in the works to establish a new gateway entrance to Inuvik, and re-develop Jim Koe Park into an amphitheatre and marketplace.

If they go ahead, these projects would be part of the town's overall beautification efforts.

Brian Desjardins, tourism-fundraising co-ordinator for the Town of Inuvik, points on the map to the Jim Koe Park. Plans are in the works to redevelop the park next year as part of efforts to beautify the town. - Malcolm Gorrill/NNSL photo

Brian Desjardins, tourism-fundraising co-ordinator for the town, said he's put in a request for funds from the town for 2002, and that Jim Koe Park and the gateway entrance are high priorities.

A consultant would be hired to work with town officials and community members to establish how these projects would look.

Also next year, if funds allow, work will continue on Jimmy Adams Peace Park, and a walking bridge may be built to connect the trail from Boot Lake to the Mackenzie River waterfront.

Jim Koe Park, the gateway entrance and the trails were identified as priorities earlier this year in the first draft of a community revitalization plan drafted for the town by Gibbs and Brown Landscape Architects Ltd.

Desjardins explained members of Inuvik's beautification committee, and others within town, have reviewed the document, and that he's sent comments back to Gibbs and Brown so they can compile a final draft.

"There wasn't much concern," Desjardins said. "Everyone was quite impressed."

He said Gibbs and Brown representative David Brown may return to Inuvik in December to present the final draft to town council and the general public.

Desjardins explained that he is making requests among other organizations within town regarding funds for beautification projects, and that Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development plans to continue their support.