Inuvik (May 07/04) - Getting to and from the fitness centre, curling lounge or meetings at council chambers will no longer be an issue for the mobility challenged.

Elder Garrett Nutik and Town of Inuvik employee Rick Campbell take the inaugural ride in the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex's new lift. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

On Monday, with the help of elders, the town unveiled one of two new lifts at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex. The other has recently been installed at town hall.

"Now there will be no more excuses from elders who say that they can't visit the fitness centre because the stairs are too high," said Inuvik's community health representative Alfred Moses.

After a blue ribbon was cut, elder Garrett Nutik enjoyed the first ride with town employee Rick Campbell.

"Oh boy it was good," said Nutik of his journey to the top of the recreation complex where elders received an upstairs tour of the building's second-floor amenities.

"I'd rather take the stairs," said Elders Fitness Program participant Martha Moses. "But, I think more elders will use the fitness centre now that there is a lift."

Though the town was not required by law to install the lifts, town manager Jerry Veltman says the $200,000 investment brings Inuvik in step with the times.

"We've had quite a few requests for this over the years so it was time to do something," he said. "We're just trying to get into the 21st century."