Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Jan 02/03) - Inuvik saw a great deal of change over the past year, with many new construction projects started and some completed.

Infrastructure was upgraded and there was much work done in the areas of recreation.

Inuvik's mayor, Peter Clarkson, said last year, as with the previous year, the town issued about $30 million in building permits.

"It's way, way up from previous years, but it's high because they are still working on the hospital and some other big projects around town," Clarkson said.

He predicts next year will be ranking equally as high, with the college, family centre and a 17-unit apartment building to begin construction in the New Year.

"This year we sold almost all the lots we had available; I think we still have eight or nine lots available on Ptarmigan hill," he said.

Nearly 40 new residential lots were sold last year, but the sales have slowed with the onset of winter.

A survey of 120 new lots was conducted on Ptarmigan Hill last summer and Clarkson said planning is underway to determine how many new lots will be developed for next year.

"We'll probably develop about 30 of those for (2003)," he said.

Clarkson said much work went into laying the groundwork for the new family centre.

"The design work, the plebiscite and the budget and fundraising has gone fairly well," he said. "We've made some good progress there."

Foundation construction is scheduled to begin in May if all goes as planned.

The college construction is supposed to go ahead in April, but as of this writing, no deal had yet been negotiated between the government and the builder.

"We should know buy the first of January, whether it's negotiated or whether it's going to tender," he said. "We've told the minister that we need to get the college built, however they need to do it."

Clarkson said a good lesson was learned through the negotiated contract situation with the college.

"It's much easier for them to accept a $2 million over-run on a tendered project than it is with a negotiated contract," he said. "They won't budge on their numbers if it's negotiated.

"You can build a jail that's 10 or 15 million dollars over, but you can't build a college that's $500,000 over."

Another $400,000 was spent on upgrading roads in 2002, with even more budgeted for the coming year.

"That sometimes isn't as noticeable, but over the years, the roads have been getting better and better," he said.

Other infrastructure money was secured through funding from Municipal and Community Affairs to upgrade old utilidors and foundation and piling repairs.

MACA assistants, council and development officer Ty Barnes will work out a five-year plan for the future direction of the town plan.

"We want to visit the whole zoning and layout; as far as future development and current situation, to make sure we have enough playgrounds, parks and commercial areas and that whole mix of things," he said.

Improvements were made to the ball diamonds last year with more continuing this year and the golf course got started, but not what the planners had hoped for.

Some funding and extra work went into the Boot Lake Trail system and more is planned for future years.

Neighbourhood improvement was targeted last year, with the town offering to tow away wrecked vehicles and other beautification projects were handled jointly.

"We did more cleanup around town with Inuvik Works assisting on various projects," he said. "We started in on some landscaping as well."

The year saw some energy saving projects, like the gas turbines at the recreation centre and some energy efficient amber streetlights installed, with more on the way.

He said other up-coming town projects include more recreation opportunities for young people and more work with Ingamo Hall, the Inuvik Community Corporation and Gwich'in Tribal Council on community-based projects.

"There are more things that we are doing together and Aboriginal Day was a good example of that," Clarkson said.