Rankin Inlet (June 11/03) - Wheels have been set into motion that could lead to a liquor distribution centre being established in Rankin Inlet.

A letter was read from Minister Calvin Ng seeking input from hamlet council on the matter during its regular June 2 meeting.

The distribution centre would service hamlets outside of Rankin and special organizations within the community.

Individual Rankin consumers would not be allowed to place orders with the centre.

The facility would create between two to four jobs in the hamlet.

Coun. Justin Merritt liked the idea of the centre, as long as the hamlet had input into its operation.

He did, however, have a problem with the fact local residents would not be able to use the facility.

"It would be stupid for us not to be able to order from a distribution centre right here in our own community," said Merritt.

"Maybe council can meet with the Liquor Commission to go over its rules.

"A limit on the amount and a four-day waiting period after placing an order might be more appropriate."

Coun. Robert Janes echoed Merritt's remarks, saying it might be a hard sell to local residents if they weren't even allowed to make use of the facility.

"We need to clarify some of the issues so we can maximize the benefits and work to keep revenues in Nunavut instead of sending them South," said Janes.

Council ultimately passed a motion to approve the request in principle, with the stipulation for more detailed information to be provided on how the centre would work.

Mayor Lorne Kusugak said he'd prefer hearing from the community before council made any type of commitment to the project.

He also has some concerns.

"I've never seen alcohol benefit any community," said Kusugak.

"However, there's a balance between that and the creation of badly needed jobs."