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UQSUQTUUQ/GJOA HAVEN
Gjoa Haven will remain a dry community after more than 60 per cent of voters in a Sept. 19 community liquor plebiscite were in favour of maintaining the status quo.

Results showed 176 people, or 38 per cent, voted in favour of allowing a controlled access to alcohol while 287 people, or 61 per cent, were in favour of keeping the community dry. Fourteen ballots were rejected. The threshold for change is 60 per cent.

Mayor Allen Aglukkaq said he is happy with the result, adding he thinks a change in regulations would have increased the amount of bootlegging in the community.

"We are happy with the decision the community made," he said. "Even a dry community is still bringing in alcohol to the community. What I am thinking is if it goes wet, it would be worse. ...That's my thoughts."

Elections Nunavut stated the voter turnout was high, with 83 per cent of 571 voters on the municipal list casting a ballot.

Gjoa Haven previously voted to maintain prohibition during a 2005 plebiscite.

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