Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Aug 19/05) - How Fort Simpson will spend its $1 million from the territorial government is to be discussed at a Tri-Council meeting - involving the Village, the Liidlii Kue First Nation and Metis Local 52 - on Aug. 24.

The "community capacity building" funding came from the GNWT.

The territorial government had inherited $40 million in Northern Strategy money from the federal government earlier this year.

At Monday's village council meeting, Mayor Raymond Michaud said his preference would be to use the cash for concrete on the arena floor and a BMX park.

Coun. Tom Wilson said it would be well spent on water and sewage upgrades, especially since the GNWT has matching funds available for that purpose.

Coun. Owen Rowe made a pitch for a new pool and an outdoor rink.

Michaud told Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche, who was in the audience on Monday, that the municipality is grateful for the money but isn't "totally happy" about having to consult the First Nation and the Metis on how to spend it.

"But we'll live with that," the mayor said.

Chipping the way

Village council has approved up to $24,500 in municipal expenses for chip-sealing work on 97th Avenue and 100th Avenue.

The Northern store is paying $5,000 towards the chip-seal on 97th Avenue, which is adjacent to the store and in front of the village office. It runs down past the CIBC.

The work on 100th Avenue is subject to availability of materials and time, as the work is piggy-backing on the chip-seal project from Fort Simpson to the airport.

Mayor Raymond Michaud noted that the village had not budgeted for the road work but can tap into $250,000 that was designated for putting concrete on the floor of the arena.

The concrete will wait at least another year because an assessment and quote from an engineer wasn't received early enough for this season.

The village is requesting that the GNWT contribute toward the chip-sealing because the Milton building, which houses government offices on 97th Avenue, would benefit and the GNWT's health centre/long-term care unit would better off on 100th Avenue.

Rationing anniversary

Council is sending a letter to Floyd Roland, minister responsible for the Liquor Act, to inquire about the prospect of having liquor rationing lifted in Fort Simpson.

As of last September, the territorial government allowed the daily ration to essentially double and liquor store hours to be extended in Fort Simpson.

At that time, Roland said the effects would be reviewed a year later and rationing may be repealed if there were no serious consequences.