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INUVIK
The $2.3 million investment to the Children's First Centre drew the most questions and comments during a public meeting on the town of Inuvik's interim budget.

Chloe Dalton, and Jenna Guy, girls give Inuvik Mayor Denny Rodgers a thank-you card for including the Children's First Centre in the town's interim budget. The announcement of an investment of $2.3 million attracted over 40 people to the public budget meeting on Nov. 30. - Samantha Stokell/NNSL photo

Over 40 people attended the public meeting on Nov. 30 to either voice their concerns or compliments regarding the funding. Most of the Inuvik town councillors defended the investment saying, while they originally disagreed with such a large sum being given to a specialty group in town, the need for a permanent early-childhood development centre will benefit the community.

"I did a complete reversal and I believe it will make the community more vibrant," said Coun. Vince Sharpe. "I don't have kids in town, but I raised two and I see it as something that the community really needs. It's good for the whole community."

A few members of the public brought up questions that addressed where the $2.3 million comes from ($1.8 million from reserves, the rest from revenue), as well as if policy allowed such contributions, how ownership will work and if the town will be responsible for utility payments and building repairs.

Mayor Denny Rodgers answered the questions saying that the town does not expect any repayment of the funds, but that if a council in the future decides to sell the building for a dollar, they can do that. A policy in the Cities, Towns and Villages Act allows the investment to a non-town building and society, so it is not precedent-setting.

"It's not a loan. It's a contribution to an asset," Rodgers said. "A town needs a pool, a hospital, a college and we need a day care."

While other attendees simply questioned the investment, only Arlene Hansen questioned the use of taxpayers' money to a facility that is not self-sustaining. Hansen recommended decreasing the amount to $1 million and investing the remaining $1.3 million in other town facilities, such as the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex.

"I don't like to see duct tape in the hallways and I don't like seeing ripped mats on the floor and doors that really need painting. It deserves a large portion for upkeep," Hansen said. "There are people in the community that don't want to speak out, but the people using the day cares are the ones bringing in a second income. Is it the taxpayer's responsibility to provide a facility for that?"

Paula Guy, chair of the Inuvik Child Development Centre and director of the Children's First Society, spoke after Hansen to thank the council for a bold move that she said will improve the community. The Children's First Centre will house the child development centre, Totspot Daycare, Aboriginal Headstart and the Inuvik Preschool.

The Inuvik Child Development Centre is currently housed in Sir Alexander Mackenzie School and has almost 50 children attending. The school is scheduled to be torn down next year, well before the Children's First Centre is complete. Guy said this highlights the need for a dedicated space for early childhood education.

"Children deserve better than what they have now. They deserve a quality early childhood centre to give them a better leg up in this town," Guy said. "We need this money. I've been working on it for five years and there is not infrastructure money in the territory right now."

Samuel Hearne Secondary School teacher Chris Gilmour, a parent of two daughters at the Inuvik Child Development Centre, spoke in support of the $2.3–million investment. He spoke about the importance of an early start for education and how pre-school can impact a student in their high school years.

"With a new centre you would see a more vibrant community. Families would stay longer and we would have better kids," Gilmour said. "If there is a proper, open daycare, you will see better education for our children."

Despite this windfall, the Children First Society still needs to raise approximately $1.7 million towards the centre. The Children's First Centre is currently in the semi-finals for the Aviva Community Fund, which could contribute as much as $250,000 to the project. Projects receive votes to make it to the finals, where judges then decide the winning projects.

The Children's First Centre squeaked through the semi-finals in ninth place and needs votes every day to stay in the top ten. To vote for the project, visit the Children's First Society web page and follow the links.

Other topics discussed at the budget meeting included the status of Inuvik Gas's gas shortage and the new water treatment plant. Discussions are ongoing about the gas shortage between Inuvik Gas and ConocoPhillips, which could allow the local company to drill a well at Parson's Lake.

The new water plant is scheduled to start very basic construction at the end of next year.

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