Editorial page

Wednesday, January 16, 2002

The garbage juggernaut marches on

In October 1991, city council passed a solid waste bylaw that authorized a $10 levy per month on all premises.

"The proceeds from the levy shall be used to pay costs associated with the relocation and establishment of a new landfill site for solid waste disposal in the City of Yellowknife. Any funds collected but not spent in any year that this bylaw is in effect, shall accumulate in a designated reserve, the sole purpose of which shall be solid waste management."

Now, more than 11 years later, city council is deliberating on a draft budget that could see that levy increase by $3 per month.

Before deciding whether to increase the levy, it's time council returned to looking at first principles as set out in the 1991 bylaw.

The reality is the levy is being spent on operating and managing the current dump.

We have a dump with between six and nine years of operating life left -- if the city can achieve an ambitious 40 per cent reduction through diversion and recycling. That's the reality. There seems to be no attempt to finalize a new dump site.

At the same time, it's just common sense to acknowledge the so-called environmental Three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle). Ambitious waste reduction targets are laudable public aims that may well be more comprehensive than the three or so truckloads of $15,000 to $20,000 in recyclables we send south for sale annually, as a more or less break-even proposition.

As laudable as the Three Rs are, practising them diligently and with dispatch in no way changes the fact a resumed search for a new dump site in Yellowknife should be a matter of critical urgency to our citizens.

The garbage juggernaut marches on and the clock is running out for the dump.


A matter of trust

For the past six months, the RCMP has been investigating one of its members for mishandling evidence and conduct unbecoming an officer.

Yellowknifer would not normally find out about an internal investigation. The RCMP are not obligated to share such information. But last fall there was so much rumour and misinformation around town, a press release was issued confirming the investigation. No names were released.

Now, the investigation is still underway and police are reluctant to comment. Again they say they are not obligated to do so even though people in the community are asking questions.

While there may be no legislated obligation, the RCMP has a duty to uphold public confidence. That's why the first press release was issued. For the same reason, another press release is called for when the investigation is completed.


A teen with a vision

It's clear 18-year-old Mark Near is already accomplishing something many people twice his age have yet to do: he's investing in his future.

Near, who currently works at Javaroma and Gourmet coffee part-time and has plans to retire when he's 45, spent his 18th birthday putting his savings into guaranteed investment certificates.

His wisdom is refreshing.

Considering the magic of compound interest, and his commitment, this young man may very well get what he's going for.


A little effort can go a long way

Editorial Comment
Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News

It's not as if we didn't try to get some information from the Nunavut government on what help may be available to parents in similar situations such as Leonie Aissaoui in Repulse Bay (Please see page 13 for story).

Far from it. We phoned the office of Nunavut's health minister on a number of occasions this past week, taking the time to explain the situation to secretaries and leaving messages with executive assistants.

Heck, we know Health Minister Ed Picco is a busy man. We even went out of our way to make it clear that the big guy himself didn't have to phone us with the information.

All we wanted was for any person within the department who knows what type of financial aid may be available to help those with special-needs transport equipment to give us a call.

So what do we deduce from the fact nobody from the Nunavut government called?

Well, we could come to the conclusion nobody in the department actually knows what policies are in effect to deal with that type of situation.

If that's the case, we agree that it is better for them to say nothing at all than to give the wrong answer, especially when dealing with such a delicate matter.

Or we could share the mother's viewpoint and conclude nobody outside the community gives a darn about a 12-year-old Repulse Bay boy confined to a wheelchair with muscular dystrophy.

Why should any of the poor, overworked folks at the Department of Health take the time to explain to the local media what options are available to the parents of handicapped kids in our region?

So what if this particular boy's mom is a teacher who has spent eight years in the community?

Getting good, qualified teachers to hang around the same community for more than a year or two is the Department of Education's problem, right?

And, what if this particular mom has also done so much for the cadet program on the Bay?

Bad communication or not, a physically challenged young boy waiting so long for repairs to be done to his wheelchair is simply not acceptable.

Neither is the length of time it often takes to get any information from a number of departments within the Nunavut bureaucracy.

We can only wish the best to the Repulse teacher and her son and try to assure them both that there are people outside of their community who care -- not only about Yohan, but all our region's physically and mentally challenged residents.

We only wish more of that caring would come from the top.


Here comes the sun

Editorial Comment
Malcolm Gorrill
Inuvik Drum

The sun made its welcome return to Inuvik last Sunday.

Fittingly, residents celebrated the day before at the Sunrise Festival.

A good-sized crowd huddled around the cozy bonfires and took in a truly beautiful fireworks display.

There's something magical about fireworks, especially for the young. There's the excitement leading up to the big event, as well as the different sounds caused by the explosions.

Then there's the lights and patterns, which vary in colour and intensity.

The "flying saucer" shells were a novelty this year, rising so far, hovering for a spell while shooting off, and then heading up further skyward.

All of it added up to a memorable experience. Congrats to all involved in putting on another great Sunrise Festival.

Hunt for justice

The hunt for the person or persons responsible for the murder of Keith Blair continues.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 reward for any information leading to the person or persons who killed the Mackenzie Hotel night clerk. Blair was found dead at the hotel the morning of Oct. 17. As well, police would like to speak to people who were in the area of the Mackenzie Hotel late in the evening of Oct. 16 and the next morning.

Police would also like to speak with a male and female seen in the Mackenzie Hotel lobby early in the morning of Oct. 17.

Blair's murder shocked the community and sent out ripples of fear among residents. Doubtless people will sleep better once those involved in this act are apprehended.

This reward is a good reminder to those responsible that the authorities are still involved in the hunt for truth and justice in this matter.

Best wishes

Hearty congratulations and best wishes are extended to the Nasogaluak family of Tuktoyaktuk, who on Jan. 2 welcomed a new addition, namely Jason Jr. He also just happens to be the New Year's baby for the NWT, making parents Marlene and Jason extra proud.

Check stops make safer roads

Inuvik RCMP held numerous check stops over the holidays, partly due to an increased emphasis across the territory on traffic enforcement.

Check stops serve a useful purpose by reminding people to have all their documents, such as registration, up to date and on hand. They also remind drivers of the responsibilities they carry to help keep our streets and highways safe.


Someone special

Editorial Comment
Derek Neary
Deh Cho Drum, Fort Simpson

How important is recreation in our lives? If this past weekend's hockey camp was any indication, the answer would have to be: very important.

Each player was part of something that not only imparted a great deal about the nuances of the game, but also taught them respect for others, how to work as a team and how to be good sports. The best part is that it was free of charge with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), the Village of Fort Simpson and the NWT Hockey Association picking up the tab.

Local coaches and parents alike were, once again, thoroughly impressed with coach Andy Nowicki's approach. Nowicki has a knack for making kids respond. Part of his flair comes from emphasizing achievement. He constantly tells his charges, "great job," and has the players give each other high-fives after completing a drill. He is also a personable fellow. He addresses the players collectively as "friends."

There's no second guessing his impact on the young athletes after their practices. They chatter enthusiastically about their new skills and plays. They can hardly wait to try these things out against the opposition in a game situation.

Interestingly, while those looking on see a man who provides three days of inspiration to young athletes, he sees a small community where the support for minor hockey is quite remarkable. He complimented local parents and coaches for helping the hockey program endure. He also said he notices people like recreation development officer Shane Thompson and teachers such as Paul Stipdonk and Val Gendron who do so much to give local children recreation opportunities.

Nowicki had quite a year in 2001. His Red Deer Rebels won the country's junior hockey championship. After much deliberation, he accepted an offer with the Los Angeles Kings to be their goaltending consultant. That also means he makes regular trips to Manchester, New Hampshire to work with the farm team's netminders.

Despite the fact that he has made it to the big show, he hasn't forgotten the people in the little NWT communities. As a matter of fact, he ensured that his contract allows him to continue his hockey camps in the North. He stepped on a plane in Los Angeles last Thursday and arrived in Fort Simpson the next day. He planned to visit Cambridge Bay, Toloyoak and Kuugaarjuk before returning to California.

The news wasn't all positive last year. Nowicki was good friends with Scott McAdam, Fort Simpson's former recreation director who passed away unexpectedly last September. Nowicki said McAdam's death was a "huge loss."

He also nearly lost his brother in a helicopter accident in Fort Simpson last October. Fortunately he survived, and Nowicki said he was sure to personally thank some of Fort Simpson's volunteer firefighters during his visit for the immediate treatment they provided for his injured sibling. Yes, they do their job well, as does he.

See you again next year, coach.


Correction

In, "A wig story" (Yellowknifer, Wednesday, Jan. 9) incorrect information appeared. Veronica Sandahl, who is donating her hair and has launched a campaign for others to donate their hair to help people who need wigs after undergoing cancer treatment, is not herself purchasing a wig.

Yellowknifer apologizes for the errors and any inconvenience it may have caused.