Pelly Bay (Apr 25/05) - Dolorosa Nartok has been a member of the Co-op in Kugaaruk since it opened 40 years ago.

She remembers the first Co-op was "small and very cold."

But on Wednesday, April 20, it was a whole different story.

The Co-op has grown with a $1.4 million, 6,000 square foot addition that was officially opened on Wednesday.

"It was just like walking into the Wal-Mart in Yellowknife," said Nartok who left work early to be at the seal skin ribbon cutting at noon.

Elder Otto Apsaktaun and his granddaughter officially welcomed people to the opening.

The new addition holds mainly groceries, and offers a few new items in the ice cream and hardware departments.

The old Co-op will serve as office and warehouse space.

The Co-op is extra special to people in Kugaaruk who only have the Co-op, no Northern Store.

"We were so happy. It was such a busy day, a special day for all of us," said Nartok.

"We are so proud to have a store like that, owned by us."

There were draws for big prizes on Wednesday, including a DVD player.

About 650 people showed up to check out the new store and shop, said store manager Emiliano Qirngnuq.

"It's going to bring excitement to the community," said Qirngnuq. "It already has, even before it opened."

The Co-op has a staff of 21, with 15 full-timers. During the move-in phase, about six more people were hired, but once the move in is complete, the staff will remain at 21.

The Kugaaruk Co-op hadn't seen any major changes since 1989.

"Now all we need is the hotel," said Qirngnuq.

The Co-op's Inns North hotel in the town is currently undergoing renovations and should open soon, he said.

Right now the community has no hotel.