Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Holman (Oct 03/05) - On the morning of Sept. 26th, the Arctic Char Inn building was torn down to make room for it's new home located just 20 feet away.

The Co-op restaurant and hotel have been serving the community since the late 60's, said general manager Joseph Perry.

"People come here for lunches; it's pretty good business."

The building, located in the centre of the hamlet was replaced because of age, said Perry. "It was an old building, and we could use a better one, with newer things."

The old building had a shared bathroom for all the rooms, wasn't energy efficient and had heating problems. The public was invited to check the old site for any building supplies before demolition, said Perry. "We waited to tear the old hotel down, so the public could come in and clean it out."

Bigger restaurant

Fire regulations stated that the building could stay up until the end of September.

Along with a bigger restaurant, the new facility boasts eight suites, with two beds per room, and each room has it's own washroom.

Staff of the restaurant noticed the difference in the new building right away."It's way bigger and warmer in here," said cook Emma Alikamik.

"There are more tables in the eating area. I like this new location."

Along with the new location, the restaurant has a new name; the Copper Ulu. The name was chosen by Mona Kuneyuna who won the right in a contest held earlier this year.

A new building for the hotel/restaurant was necessary, according to Perry.

"It's a definite need for our community. We need a commodity like this here," said Perry. "It's nicer to look at now, and it's a nicer place to stay."