Iqaluit (Mar 06/06) - Recreation facilities are often the cornerstone of communities. Without them, residents would be without great feasts, junior hockey games, craft fairs and Christmas celebrations.

More often than not, the facilities in Nunavut's communities are not up to snuff. But some communities have it better than others.

Built in 1990, the Ernest Lyall Complex combines the community hall and the arena with all the fixings into one building.

Even though it's newer than many recreation facilities in the North, upgrades still need to be made, says recreation co-ordinator Joseph Quqqiaq Sr.

"The doors need to be fixed and everyday things like that," he said.

One upgrade that goes beyond the "everyday" is rigging the complex so the standard-sized ice rink can be used year-round. Much like the problem plaguing Kugluktuk, Taloyoak ice is getting soft.

The ice lies above sand, not concrete, and there is no ice machine. Due to unconventionally warm temperatures in Taloyoak, like much of the North this winter, the ice is already melting.

"Every rec co-ordinator's dream would be to have a concrete arena and an ice machine to use the ice year round," said Quqqiaq.

The community hall can fit a maximum of 250 people. It's no wonder then that Quqqiaq considers it too small for a 900 person community.

"We use the school gym for Christmas events and things because the hall doesn't have enough room."

However, the hall can handle most public meetings, events and teen dances.

There's also an indoor swimming pool in Taloyoak, open from June to September. The building is heated, but the pool is neither heated or insulated.

The hamlet has a community hall, an arena and an outdoor ice-rink.

What it lacks is a pool and a curling rink, although the recreation co-ordinator, Vincent Ningark, says those two facilities are "harder to maintain, but would be nice."

The community hall is pushing 23 years old and doesn't have proper storage or change rooms, he says. In fact, the storage room is used for the change room.

The hall curriculum is chalk-full of programs, including Junior Rangers, Guardians and Tots, badminton and soccer.

Those needing to change into uniforms aren't thrilled about doing so in a change room, said Ningark.

He estimates 200 to 300 people a day use the hall.

Minor work is needed on the ventilation system, although the recreation staff work hard to keep it clean and well-maintained, Ningark said.

As for the arena "I'm proud to say it is in better condition than the hall."

There's no Zamboni, but the hamlet doesn't want one.

"We have shovels and brooms and other equipment we use to smooth out the ice. It takes 20 minutes and two guys."

He says he wouldn't want to replace the human power considering it gives two people work, has no toxic fumes, doesn't take as long and makes for better quality ice.

They keep the sliding glass doors in the arena open for a quick freeze up in the winter.

Ningark has no complaints about the state of the rink, which is used by close to 200 people a day.

New this year is an outdoor ice rink. The hamlet built it out of concern for the safety of children and others playing hockey on natural ponds in the fall and winter which are sometimes not completely frozen.

Gjoa Haven has a community hall, school gymnasium and arena with a hockey rink and a curling rink. However the curling rink isn't open this year because the pipes are broken.

"We would love to keep it open," said Gjoa Haven recreation director Paul Puqiqnaq of the curling rink.

The community hall is used for everything.

"The community hall is great. It is open every weekend and we use it for all activities."

These activities include table tennis, teen dances and meetings.

The community also boasts a nine-hole golf course, a baseball diamond and an outdoor basketball.