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Neils Christensen
Northern News Services
The two groups are working together to finish a feasibility study on the project, which will be released this month.
"I've been able to see some drafts of the project. I think the study will stimulate a lot of good discussion in the community," said Bruce Rigby, president of the Rotary Club.
Rigby said he is excited to see the final project, and from input he's received from residents, he's not the only one.
"This project has generated a lot of interest," he said. "Almost every group has been able to give its input into the centre."
Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik said the feasibility study is going to confirm the need for the centre in Iqaluit.
She added the centre will play a vital role in preserving Inuit culture in the community.
"It's a place where the community can gather for special events, feasts and festivals," she said. "The city is growing and our culture is going to play a big role in our growth."
Rigby said one area the study is going to address is how to accommodate all the ideas the community has brought forward.
"We've joked that to accommodate all the groups, the centre is going to have to be huge," he said. "There are things in the planning stage we can do to maximize the space available."
Sheutiapik said it's important that the facility has multiple uses.
"I think it's important to have a place that all the residents can share," she said.
Rigby added that some ideas he has heard could really enhance the city.
"There's talk of having a story-telling festival, a drum dancing festival and plays. The possibilities are endless," he said.
The cost of the study is $80,000. The Rotary has raised $20,000, Canadian Heritage has provided $40,000 and the city has applied for a grant from the Communities Initiatives Program for the other $20,000.
Rigby said the study is going through a final editing process and then it will be released to the public for review.
