Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Arctic Bay (Apr 05/04) - The Arctic Bay Development Corporation is moving forward with its plans for construction of a multi-use facility.

The group, which was only formed in February, has started the tendering process to solicit designs for the new facility.

With the group already advertising for concept drawings, the community is looking forward to the much needed centre.

Mayor Niore Iqalukjuak said the facility will give the community a boost, both economically and morally.

"They recently approached council asking for a letter of support," he said, noting council voted unanimously in favour of the request.

"Everything that is in the centre is needed infrastructure," he added.

That includes more office space, something Iqalukjuak said the community has a very limited supply of.

"We are definitely happy to see them start their project," he said.

Tim Pettypiece, board spokesperson, said it's going to be a long process, but he is looking forward to the end result.

"We feel very excited to start the process," he said. "We have to get this paperwork done before we can start construction."

Pettypiece said the board's goal is to have all the drawings finished this year and construction started by spring 2005.

He admitted funding is going to be the biggest hurdle.

The board wants to raise about $5 million for the facility. Along with offices, the board wants the facility to include conference rooms, hotel facilities, a restaurant, a visitors centre and a craft shop.

While the plan is very ambitious, Pettypiece said the board is confident the timelines will work.

Already the board has received 23 responses to its request for tenders.

"There is a lot of stuff that has to get done before we can start building," he said. "The first step is to have a concept drawing and then we can make up a business plan for funding."