Andrea Markey
Northern News Services

Arctic Bay (Nov 28/05) - A 10-room hotel is still under construction in Arctic Bay, but it already has rooms booked for later this winter.

The almost $2 million facility was designed and built by Edmonton-based Taurus Contractors for Moses and Soporah Oyukuluk.

Moses and Soporah Oyukuluk are building a 10-room hotel in Arctic Bay. They are using Taurus Contractors and lots of labour from Arctic Bay. Since this photo was taken earlier this fall, the finishing touches are now being applied to the interior of the building. - photo courtesy of Brent Piwowar

But the brothers who own the southern construction company have close ties to the North, one with a home in Arctic Bay. Brent and Craig Piwowar grew up in Fort Smith and travelled the North with their father, who was also a carpenter.

They have been working in Arctic Bay since 1993 - often with Moses Oyukuluk.

"He's a mover in the community," said Brent Piwowar.

While building the Oyukuluks' house three years ago, Moses approached Brent about building the hotel.

"Over a cup of tea we would discuss what would be good in the design," he said. "Once we decided what we could do, we drew up the plans."

The result is an approximately 7,500-square-foot building with a full kitchen and lobby.

"It is going to be a very nice place - with an almost state-of-the-art kitchen," he said.

Because Taurus Contractors has been working in the hamlet for more than 10 years, some workers have grown up with the company, starting right out of high school, he said.

"I have a crew of about 10 that works each year with me," he said. "A lot of people don't want to leave the community so are anxious for construction season."

This is important because people in the community will be able to perform any maintenance required, he said.

With the help of that local workforce, Taurus built the hamlet daycare about six or seven years ago, as well as about a quarter of the houses in the community, he said.

Clare Kines and Leah Ejangiaq-Kines are also building the three-room Kiggavik Bed and Breakfast in Arctic Bay.

"It is great for Arctic Bay to get both a bed and breakfast and a hotel," said Sheena Qaunaq, Arctic Bay's community economic development officer. "There is a great need as there are always people on business and pleasure trips."