Cambridge Bay (June 02/03) - The Kitikmeot region's new health centre will be up and running in Cambridge Bay by August 2004, but the lack of housing and adequate infrastructure puts a damper on the project, says Mayor Keith Peterson.

On Wednesday $4.5 million in equity funding was announced from Atuqtuarvik Corporation for the construction of the Kitikmeot Health Centre which will serve the region's 5,000 residents.

The total cost of the facility is estimated at $15 million. The concrete foundation was laid last summer. Construction is expected to begin this month.

Charlie Lyall, president and CEO of Kitikmeot Corporation, who is overseeing the project's funding, said the centre will greatly improve health service in the region.

Peterson applauds the new facility which will make "a thousand per cent" difference to the region, he said Thursday.

Keeping families and friends together, rather than always sending them away for births, for example, is the most important feature of the centre in Cambridge Bay, said Peterson.

But the lack of housing in Cambridge Bay for all the professionals who will work in the facility is a "wrinkle" in the project he hopes the government of Nunavut will address, he said.

"Where is the housing for the nurses and doctors?" said Peterson.

"We have to plan for these things."

The new facility will employ about 20 doctors and nurses.

While it is not a hospital, stressed Peterson, it will still be a vast improvement on the current situation.

"The key thing is you can be among your close friends and family," said Peterson.