Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Monday, May 21, 2007

GJOA HAVEN - The health centre in Gjoa Haven was expected to be open only for emergencies for three days last week as staff cleaned up and sanitized the facility following water damage from the sprinkler system.

Close to three inches of water covered floors throughout the building after a youth allegedly lit matches in the foyer on May 15, setting off the sprinkler system, according to Cpl. Buddy Quant of the Gjoa Haven RCMP detachment.

If the youth and a friend who was also present are found criminally responsible, the community's justice committee will deal with them, Quant said.

The incident began around 8:40 p.m. when the health centre's fire alarm sounded and the police and fire department were alerted. Quant said the youths who were reportedly in the foyer, ages 10 and 13, ran away, but a witness identified them. He tracked them down and both admitted to "a certain level of involvement," he said.

Nancy Campbell, spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Services, said the foyer is accessible after hours because, like at many community health centres, there is a phone inside which residents can use to call for medical services throughout the evening and night.

"That's been the standard operating procedure, but in the wake of this incident I think the hamlet and the health centre will be re-examining that," said Campbell.

Health records and vaccines didn't appear to be damaged, and the medical equipment in the one-storey building was being assessed for damage, she added. The overall cost wasn't known as of Nunavut News/North's press deadline.

The fire marshal was expected to inspect the site last Thursday. Nunavut Power Corporation employees and computer technicians were also quickly dispatched to Gjoa Haven to restore and repair things.

The hamlet has assisted in recruiting five people to help with the clean-up, Campbell said.

"It was tremendous...really good teamwork," she said of the combined response.

Quant praised the Gjoa Haven fire department.

"They stayed and helped clean up. They just did an awesome job," he said. "They went above and beyond what their regular duties are."