Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (June 17/02) - Iqaluit is holding a series of public consultations on a vision for the capital's future.

Past planning blunders include a legislative assembly building that is too small and an inconveniently located second arena halfway to Apex.

But at a press conference last week, Mayor John Matthews said councillors in the last election promised a better-planned city. A new general plan, he said, is a step in that direction.

The city has come up with between $62 million and $65 million for a five-year capital budget that includes many critical projects. Now, the city is asking the public about priorities. It's a chance for residents to have their say on transit, housing, roads, building density, and future building sites, among other things.

The first public meeting takes place on Wednesday, June 19, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Anglican Parish Hall. Another is scheduled for this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Catholic Church Hall.

The city will hold separate meetings with elders and youth. Those who can't attend meetings can fill out workbooks. The city will help people fill out these booklets on Friday at NorthMart from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

After the meetings, consultants will prepare a report and bring it back to the community for feedback and redrafting. The result, a general plan, will go through first reading. One more public meeting will follow before council's final vote.

Once the city knows how much money the government of Nunavut plans to contribute, it will decide how much more capital it needs -- and how to get the money.

"This fall we will have these numbers and we'll be talking to the community at length about options" said city manager Rick Butler.