Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Repulse Bay (Feb 13/02) - Repulse Bay should have its own RCMP detachment by mid April.

A corporal and a constable are scheduled to be stationed there. The district officer for the RCMP's V division, Insp. Jim McDougall, says the detachment's funding is included in the new territorial budget and won't be available until April 1.

"Because funding is so tight, we can't start the transfers until we get the dollars in hand," says McDougall. "That's why we've set our target date at about mid-April to be operational in Repulse."

There are 14 additional RCMP positions being created across Nunavut.

Coral Harbour recently became a two-member detachment and plans are to have a relief position added to that community. The additional officer will provide relief into Kivalliq communities as needed.

Arviat will also increase to a four-person detachment.

McDougall travelled to Repulse about three weeks ago. He says the sentiment he heard during his visit, in respect to the new detachment, was the sooner the better.

"They're very excited about getting their own detachment in Repulse. The community is doing everything it can to help us acquire housing and to ensure this does happen."

Once the Repulse detachment is operational, Chesterfield Inlet and Whale Cove will be the two lone Kivalliq communities without full time RCMP staffing.

McDougall says getting full-time members into those two communities is high on his priority list. He says Whale Cove and Chester deserve the same level of policing every other community their size in Nunavut has.

"We're looking for funding through the territorial government to be able to open detachments in those communities, but there is no firm date on that, as yet.

"That being said, we're very appreciative to the territorial government for allowing us to open the Repulse detachment and add the other additional members. Without its backing and financial support, we wouldn't be able to do that."