INUVIK - Inuvik's going to have a quiet year with regards to municipal infrastructure projects.

Inuvik Mayor Denny Rodgers looks forward to a steady year for his town. - Aaron Beswick/NNSL photo

During an interview with Inuvik Drum to discuss Town Council's plans for 2011, Mayor Denny Rodgers explained that thus far no new major infrastructure investments are slated for the year to come. That said, council intends to schedule a public meeting to be held before the end of January to hear the desires of residents.

"It's important for people to know what we're spending their money on," said Rodgers. "We can never do everything everyone wants but we want to know if people think we should spend more money on roads, parks and playgrounds, recreation facilities or do they want us to save for a water treatment plant."

Current plans include continuing the annual investment of $1.5 million to replace sections of the utilidor system which handles Inuvik's water and sewer. As well, upgrading will be done on roads that were not paved during last year's $5 million work to make them ready for pavement. There are also plans for renovations to the council building.

Town Council has put away $500,000 toward a water treatment plant, projected to cost $11 million, and intends to put away another $250,000 this year. Council has arranged $1.8 million in federal funding for the plant, which it is considering building in three years, that would allow the town to take its water from Mackenzie River year-round instead of switching to Hidden Lake during the winter months. As well, a new pumper truck is scheduled to arrive for the fire department in February. Currently the town is carrying a $3 million debt for the Midnight Sun Complex scheduled to be paid off by 2020.

At its Dec. 19 meeting council, passed an interim budget to be in effect until March, when final assessments are scheduled to be done. At that time council will decide its tax rate and any major infrastructure investments. Council is also in negotiations with its employees over pay and benefits for their next three year contract.

Big events Rodgers expects for 2011 include annuals such as the Music Festival and Northern Arts Festival, as well as the planned arrival of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission from June 28 to July 1.

"That's a big thing for this town to host," said Rodgers of the investigation into residential school abuses.

As well, he expects the recent approval of the National Energy Board of the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline to result in a bigger showing at this year's Petroleum Show.

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