Inuvik (Sep 03/04) - When classes begin Tuesday at the new Aurora College Campus, single students won't have the previous luxury of living on site.

Though original plans for the new Loucheux Road facility included a 24-room residence linked by a pedestrian tunnel to the main campus, the dormitory was cut for lack of funds.

The old campus on Distributor Street had 33 rooms for single students.

In anticipation of the lack of housing at the new building, the college partnered with a private contractor in 2002 to have 18 units renovated at what is commonly referred to in town as the blueberry patch.

Ten of these will be used to house three single students in each.

Alana Mero, the criminal justice program instructor, says single students preparing to live at the units are not as concerned as some college staff.

"The students didn't really see a problem with living at the blueberry patch, even though it was further away from campus," she said.

"However, we were a little concerned that if one (of the three students) in a house acts out, then it could make it difficult for the others."

In an effort to improve the situation, the Gwich'in Tribal Council, Inuvialuit Regional Corp. and the Town of Inuvik have made a proposal to the Department of Education Culture and Employment to construct a $3.5-million dorm to be leased back to the college.

Waiting for response

Mayor Peter Clarkson says the proposal was submitted to the GNWT at the end of July.

Clarkson hopes to get a response from the government shortly.

"The territorial government said there was no money and that students should stay at the blueberry patch," he said.

"We were saying 'no, it's not an ideal place to live (as a student).'"

Clarkson added that the town, IRC and GTC are "pursuing the proposal."

According to Boot Lake MLA and Finance Minister Floyd Roland, the proposal has been discussed by the premier and ECE minister.

He said it will require further review by the education department before a decision is made.