ENTERPRISE - Enterprise has been giving itself a makeover over the past year.

"We're finally getting a lot of the stuff done that will attract more people to want to live in our community," said Mayor Allan Flamand.

Mayor Allan Flamand stands by one of the three 'Welcome to Enterprise' signs erected a couple of months ago. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

A number of improvement projects have already been completed or are underway in the community of just 95 people, located on Highway 1 about 80 km north of the Alberta/NWT border.

Many of the projects are designed for young people, who are starting to notice changes in the community and are even working on some of the initiatives.

"I think there are good things happening here," said 15-year-old Zak Kimble. "It's making the community a better place."

There are more things for young people to do, added Kimble, who is working as a summer student with the Hamlet of Enterprise.

Natasha Lepage, another 15-year-old summer worker, also welcomed the improvement projects in the community.

"It makes it look nicer," Lepage said.

One development is a recreation area called Running Creek Pond, better known in the community as the burrow pit.

So far, the work has involved gravelling and leveling the area.

"We're going to be bringing in sand to create a beach," Flamand said, adding the site will also include a picnic area.

The burrow pit was created by excavating material for railway construction, but Flamand said it will be a beautiful area that will impress people once improvements are made.

The hamlet has also upgraded and expanded a 4.5-km walking trail system around the community.

At the community playground, new equipment was recently installed, a walkway was added and landscaping is underway.

On a smaller scale, three 'Welcome to Enterprise' signs were erected a couple of months ago; street signs were added inside the community; and the hamlet purchased a large tent, which will be erected in time for this month's Gateway Jamboree music festival and can be used for bingos and weddings.

Flamand said, beginning last year, a former visitor information centre was converted into a fitness centre.

Plus, a site is being prepared for a new town garage, which will be designed through the winter. If money becomes available, it will be built in the spring.

Despite all those projects, there is an even bigger development on the horizon.

"The major thing we're looking forward to is our community centre," Flamand said.

The hamlet is anticipating receiving $563,000 for the project from the Build Canada Fund, and it will be using $240,000 of its annual funding from the territorial government.

The 3,000-sq-ft., $890,000 community centre will include, among other things, a meeting hall, a games room for teenagers and a computer room.

"We're hoping it will be a place to get together as a community and mingle with our teenagers to get to know them," Flamand said.

Once funding is received, construction of the community centre can begin soon and could be completed by Christmas.

Flamand said all the new activity in Enterprise can be credited to the change of status from settlement to hamlet in 2007 and an increase in funding.

"I think we finally had the money to accomplish what we want to do since we've become a hamlet," he said.

Winnie Cadieux, a long-time resident of Enterprise, also credits the switch to hamlet status for prompting new projects and improvements for existing facilities, such as the trail system.

"Things can be completed now because of the hamlet status," said Cadieux, a former mayor who is no longer involved in community government.

She said the changes in the community are very positive.

Aside from the expected cost of the community centre, the hamlet will spend an estimated $200,000 on various improvement projects this year.

One of the goals is to change the perception of the community.

"Our hope is we become a destination, rather than just a gas/food stop," Flamand said.

The mayor described Enterprise as a "happening" community.

Enterprise is a well-kept secret, he said. "It's one of the best places to live in the Northwest Territories."

In coming years, the hamlet will also be looking to pave its streets and walking trails, upgrade its cemetery, and establish a small school for lower grades.