Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Mar 17/03) - The City of Iqaluit has finally selected a site for a long awaited outdoor community gathering and meeting place.

"Nunavut Square" will be situated in front of the Elder's facility, a spot councillors felt was central and easiest to develop.

Iqaluit councillor, Keith Irving, said he wants "Nunavut Square" to be the present council's legacy.

"I don't know that the city, in my 17 years here, has ever even built a park bench. I really hope that this will be our council's legacy," he said.

Irving has been thinking about the space since 1987, after being hired as the architect for the elder's facility. He said "Nunavut Square" was incorporated into the original plans but they were never implemented. Irving tucked the plans for "Nunavut Square" into a drawer until he became a part of Iqaluit's city council in Oct. 2000.

On April 19, 2001 the Government of Nunavut gave the city $125,000 to construct a public square. It has taken two years and many public consultations to choose the location.

If all goes as planned, construction of the square should begin in late July and be completed by late September.