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IQALUIT - The territorial Department of Economic Development and Transportation is considering upgrading Iqaluit's maritime facilities to allow boats to dock regardless of the tide, according to a presentation by Iqaluit's economic development officer Erin Gordey.

In the summer that would mean sealift vessels could offload cargo 24 hours a day. At the moment, ships can only unload for four hours a day during high tide.

Such an undertaking could also improve access by military vessels and tourist cruise ships.

City councillors Simon Nattaq and Glenn Williams expressed concern about the possible displacement of Iqalummiut who use the area for their fishing boats or set up tents there.

Williams also wanted more clarification from the Government of Nunavut about the city government's role is in the project. He said the city should not be stuck with the operation and maintainance of the new facilities if the community did not get to have input on its design.

Arena to get new floor

Iqaluit's Arctic Winter Games arena may finally return to full service by the spring of 2010.

The city council voted to spend $1 million of municipal funds to repair the arena floor. The government of Canada will contribute another $1 million from the new Building Canada Fund.

City councillor Glenn Williams was doubtful that the $2 million would be enough to make the repairs because of ever-increasing costs. He also pointed out there are other recreation buildings which need less expensive repairs such as the swimming pool.

Councillor David Kilabuk wanted more information about whether the AWG arena's new floor would be stable and expressed regret that the expert on the project, director of Engineering and Public Works Bruce Rines, was not available to speak to the council because of personal matters.

Kilabuk and Williams voted against the money but were outvoted. The AWG arena has not been fully operational since 2003.

Northern research projects approved

Council voted to approve three research projects from southern universities which partially involve Iqaluit.

One study is to investigate the ways Inuit have used math in traditional activities. That information could help develop math curricula in Nunavut's schools to make the subject more relevant to Inuit students. Very few Inuit pursue post-secondary education in math and science.

A second study seeks to find out how Iqaluit deals with bad weather and how people can tell it's coming. The project proposal argues weather forecasts in Canada are not tailored to the needs of Northern communities, being standardized across the country. This research could help include local knowledge in areas such as climate change research and policy-making. The third study will look into how government and social systems are dealing with climate change in Iqaluit and Clyde River. The researcher hopes the information he finds would contribute to a broader understanding of the impact of climate change on the North and Inuit.