Rankin Inlet (May 12/03) - The controversy continues to rage over the old Anglican Church in Rankin Inlet.

The church is situated on the main street of Rankin's downtown core, a few feet from the edge of the pavement.

Built by Moses Aliyak and Armand Tagoona in 1958, the old church was gutted by fire in the early 1990s. Since then, it was supposed to be torn down, become a training facility for firefighters and be moved to Williamson Lake as part of a heritage complex.

The latest scenario has it being moved next to the current Anglican Church.

The move was proposed by Piruqsaijit Ltd., which was also behind the plan to move it to Williamson Lake as part of an Inuit Heritage Museum and office complex.

General manager Hilary Rebeiro said the company planned to build a museum, office building and walking trail by the lake.

The idea was refused by hamlet council.

"From the questions asked when I appeared before them, it was as if the hamlet thought we trying something unusual or underhanded on them," said Rebeiro.

"I don't have time to waste. It's not my heritage that's disappearing, so we asked the Anglican Church if it was interested."

Hamlet not impressed

Hamlet SAO Ron Roach scoffs at the notion of the building being an historic site.

He also scoffs at the notion Piruqsaijit had a solid plan for its Williamson Lake project.

Roach said there was never even a proper business plan submitted to council on the project, only a letter of intent outlining the idea.

"It's great to have an idea, but how are you going to accomplish it? Where are you going to get your funding? What is your anticipated date of completion?" said Roach

Roach said the church building has outlived its usefulness and doubts if it could hold up to a move.

"The company should outline its plans and ask if council wants to be part of a project to save what some may perceive as a heritage building."

Roach said representatives from the Anglican Church will also have to sit down with the hamlet's lands officer to review the size of their current lot to see if the church can be located there.

Church welcomes proposal

Canon Paul Williams said the vestry would welcome the gift of the old church with gratitude.

He said if the move is successful, the Deacon's Cupboard would probably be expanded and moved to the old church after it was fixed up.

Williams shares Roach's concern over funding.

"The hamlet has been forcing the issue to have the old church either moved or destroyed," said Williams. "One claim is that it sits too close to the road. But it also sits on a prime lot, and that's probably the main reason why the hamlet wants it gone."

Rev. Mike Shouldice said if the building can be moved, it would be a welcome addition to the church's current operations.

"To be able to expand the Deacon's Cupboard and have our own facility would be really exciting," said Shouldice.