Kenny Rogers
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Apr 02/04) - As a new school complex is being planned for Inuvik, a Japanese investor is looking to buy the sprawling SAMS building and turn it into a hotel and casino.

"We wanted something with an old-style feel and when we saw this building, we knew it would be perfect," said Seiji Itsujoku, president of Chikyo-Kalanda Corporation in Tokyo, which is heading up the project.

Itsujoku says that Japanese investors are lining up at the opportunity to have a piece of the first casino in the Arctic.

"This is a big chance for us to get into a market that is already fond of gambling," he said. "And attract people from abroad who want to, how do you say, lose their shirts in the snow."

On the subject of losing, Inuvik resident and self-styled card-shark Ima Lyein says she welcomes the move.

"I like the Japanese. They are polite so I won't mind losing my money to them."

These words are music to Itsujoku's ears.

"People see us as polite and kind so they might part with their money a little easier with that feeling in mind."

As for the renovations planned to turn SAMS into a first-rate hotel-casino, Itsujoku promises all the amenities and more.

"The whole place will be centred around the gambling floor and I want to install a giant aquarium in the ceiling to house a family of beluga whales for our visitors to see.

Itsujoku is expected to meet with the mayor on April Fools day.