IQALUIT - The Canadian government and the government of Nunavut are pumping a shared $7.2 million into two much-needed Nunavut infrastructure projects.

Iqaluit Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik, left, federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq, centre, and Premier Eva Aariak, right, made a joint announcement last Tuesday on $7.2 million in Nunavut infrastructure funding. - Lauren McKeon/NNSL photo

Canada's Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq, Nunavut's Premier Eva Aariak and Iqaluit's Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik were all on hand to make the announcement.

First, the beleaguered Arctic Winter Games Arena in Iqaluit is set to undergo $2.2 million in structural repairs for the sinking rink. The federal government, territorial government and the City of Iqaluit will each contribute up to $748,740 for the repairs.

"Even if the sun wasn't shining, it would be (today) because of these announcements," said Sheutiapik.

"We haven't used this facility (the AWG arena) for the real purpose it was established for because of frustrating challenges," she added.

The sinking rink at the AWG arena could not be used for its original purpose for about six years.

Instead the arena has been used to host concerts and community events, such as First Air's annual President's Ball.

"The repairs to the (arena) will make the ice surface operational again," said Aglukkaq.

The repairs are scheduled to take approximately six months but there is no set date yet on when they will begin.

During construction, however, groups who have been using the arena as a makeshift community hall will have to find somewhere else to go.

Sheutiapik said there have been no complaints from arena users and added the city is doing its best to find alternate accommodations for those who used the arena during its non-rink days.

Also, Taloyoak will get a new hamlet office under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, with the federal and territorial governments each pledging up to $2.5 million for the $5-million project.

With construction of the new hamlet office, the town will be able to host public council meetings in a building that doesn't have a leaky roof, among many things, said Aglukkaq.

The new hamlet office, which will be energy efficient, will also help to foster better productivity, satisfaction and teamwork, added Aariak.

"Most importantly, both projects will help our economy grow," she added.

There is no completion date set for the new hamlet office. However, funding for the project under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund expires in 2010 - 2011.