Five-year capital plan $35,570,000 for water and sewer systems (including a new solid waste facility). $10,550,000 for roads and transportation (including a public transit system). $2,368,000 for recreational development and the appearance of the city (including a skateboard park and the operation of the old arena at least to 2004). $710,000 for administration costs $599,000 for fire and ambulance services.

The public meeting was held Jan. 21 at Parish Hall. The topic of the meeting was the 2003-2007 five year capital and operating plan.

Mayor John Matthews said the plan was designed to get the necessities in place.

"Soon after Iqaluit became the capital, it became apparent that the pressures on the community would cause great stress on the existing infrastructure," said Matthews.

Most of the $49.8 million plan will be spent on exactly that, on infrastructure.

The money for the plan is coming from two sources. The Government of Nunavut will contribute nearly $32 million and the city of Iqaluit will fork out almost $19 million.

In order for the city administrators to meet their end of the bargain, they'll have to borrow $4 million. To make loan payments and interest payments, the city has proposed raising taxes.

Utility fees could go up by five per cent in 2003 or about $47 per household. Home owners will also be asked to pay an average of $50 more in taxes per year.

Most ratepayers say they understand the need to raise more money but they want some things to change first.

"Before I vote yes to pay more taxes, I want to make sure those who are behind are paying their taxes. I'd like to see people in a bad debt situation to be brought up to date," explained resident Sandy Teiman.

She is referring to the list of people in Iqaluit releasing last August with tax arrears adding up to more than $ 1.3 million.

The city said it is in the process of collecting and taking legal action against those who just won't pay up.

"I think we've got those taxes down to about half. People know we're serious now. They know that potentially they could be cut off from some services," said Iqaluit's chief administrative officer, Rick Butler.

Other residents brought up concerns about taxing the city's more transient population.

"As ratepayers, we pay taxes. We're the guys that get zinged for it cause we bought a house and we're trying to raise a family," voiced long-time resident and health minister, Ed Picco.

The capital plan looks at several ways to resolve this. Matthews even suggested the city is contemplating adding charges to every litre of gas sold in the city. He said this way, everyone would have to pay taxes.

Council invites the residents of Iqaluit to voice their concerns at the next meeting on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m.