Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 30/01) - Many people have dropped by the third floor of the Inuvialuit Development Corporation building to lend a hand to a special project.

A portion of the second and third floors have recently been filled in due to ongoing renovations. Staff decided to invite people to dip their hands, or feet, into paint and then press them onto the floor. People could sign their names afterwards.

The first day was Nov. 20, and was designed to coincide with National Child Day, explained Peggy Jay, communications advisor for the Inuvialuit Regional Corp.

"A lot of it is just making people aware of National Child Day and we thought, you know, there's a kid in every one of us," Jay said with a laugh.

Children were invited to leave their mark during noon time that day, and adults got into the act that day and the next few days.

"This area here will in the future become our boardroom. It will be all covered up with carpet," Jay said.

"It'll become kind of a time capsule, because who knows when the next renovations will be."

As of late last week more than 60 people had practiced their artistry.

Gerry Grant, property and assets manager for the Inuvialuit Development Corporation, explained the centre area for the second and third floors were filled in for a simple reason.

"We're busting at the seams," Grant said. "It wasn't the most efficient use of space before, because you're still paying for heating an area where there's no floor space. So that gives a fair amount more floor space."

Extensive renovations are to take place in the second and third floors in various stages, with completion scheduled for next summer.

"I'm not going to be very popular for a few months, I'll tell you that," Grant said with a laugh. "I'm sure it'll be a challenge."