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QAUSUITTUQ/RESOLUTE
Resolute will not lose its utilidor system, as the federal government is investing millions to replace it within six years.

Ottawa will provide $30.2 million to build a completely new system in the High Arctic community as part of the provincial-territorial base funding. Construction is set to be completed by 2017 with planning and design starting next year until early 2013.

"This significant investment in infrastructure will ensure residents in Resolute Bay have access to a quality water system for years to come," Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq stated in a press release.

The utilidor water and sewer system was installed in the early 1970s but sections of pipe have been replaced over the years, such as a new water and sewer line in 2007.

Resolute Mayor Tabitha Mullin said the announcement was a good surprise as they didn't know whether they would get their first choice, a new system, as opposed to an upgrade or trucked system.

"Very happy about the news on the new utilidor," she said.

She added construction of the new system will create about a dozen jobs in the community.

"I am sure once they start working on it, it's going to create more jobs in the community as well. It's a really good thing. We're happy about it," she said.

The Government of Nunavut had considered switching the community to trucked water and sewer services two years ago, but resident concerns convinced the GN to undertake two more studies before making a decision.

Martha Kalluk, the hamlet's senior administrative officer, said they're happy with the announcement.

"It's needed because every year we have problems with our utilidor system so we definitely need the new one," she said.

Wayne Davidson, a former councillor and utilidor critic, is also happy the utilidor is being replaced.

"I personally feel changing it completely is a very good idea," he said. "If it's a proper engineering firm that has a good reputation and knows what it's doing, then I have no complaints at all to say about it. I hope it is so."

Quttiktuq MLA Ron Elliott, who represents Resolute, Arctic Bay and Grise Fiord at the territorial legislature, stated via e-mail the funding shows how both the territorial and federal governments can work together to provide an essential service, water and sewage treatment for Resolute.

"This project is an example of how when communities come together they can work with other agencies to solve community concerns," he stated.

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