Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Apr 24/02) - Development of the long-awaited Kivalliq Regional Health Facility is under way.

Rankin Inlet hamlet council passed a motion during an April 19 special meeting to grant the Sakku Development Corp.'s request for a right-to -occupy permit.

The permit allows Sakku to clear snow from the site, carry out surveys and start placing pilings.

Sakku and the Nunavut government reached an agreement on a development contract for the piling installation this past week.

In passing the motion, Rankin Mayor Jack Kabvitok said the hamlet made its decisions based on what's best for the community. He said residents have waited a long time for the facility and council is happy to help development begin.

But the hamlet is playing no favourites when it comes to negotiations.

"We aren't going to take sides with the Nunavut government or Sakku," said Kabvitok. "We want to work with both of them to ensure this health facility happens, as long as any deal is in the best interests of the community."

Nunavut Finance Minister Kelvin Ng said the development and land-lease agreements are the last major issues to be resolved.

He said the auditor general's criticism of long-term lease arrangements the Nunavut government has entered into in the past will play a roll in the final negotiations.

"It's a huge issue in terms of accountability, transparency and value for dollar," said Ng.

"We're trying to cover all the bases to ensure those issues are covered and there's due diligence in the review of the contract. We're not about to sign a blank cheque and say, 'Here, go ahead.' "

Ng said the government hasn't changed its stance in that it will ultimately own the new health facility.

"Whether we enter into a lease agreement and take over ownership at the end of that, or there's a buyout at the end of construction or sometime in between -- that will all be worked out in the development agreement.

"Hopefully, by the end of the month, we will resolve the total cost of the project and what the repayment terms will be.

"From there, all the parameters are covered. The details of when and how we pay for it will come up during the lease negotiations.

"Hopefully everything will be resolved sometime during the next 60 days."