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KUGLUKTUK/COPPERMINE
Construction of the proposed Kugluktuk visitors centre has reached another milestone as a contractor was chosen earlier this summer.

NCC Development Ltd. will build the approximately 423-square-metre structure with an anticipated opening date of summer 2013, said Don Leblanc, the hamlet's senior administrative officer. He added a number of residents will be hired during the construction phase but could not specify the amount.

"At times, it could employ up to four or five people. There will be one full-time job created, of course," said Leblanc. "It will house a lot of local art work from our talented artists, carvers. There is also some provisions for some meeting rooms we will be able to rent out. There will be a small arts and crafts retail store."

The community visitor and cultural centre will have two sections - one will be single-storey while the other will have two floors. A museum will occupy one floor while offices and a boardroom will be in another section.

Leblanc described the structure as "unique."

"There is not too many built like it, actually," he said. "From the sky, you're looking down and it's actually in a shape of an ulu. There is going to be copper used in some areas to relate to the Copper Inuit."

Some of the window frames will be copper, for instance, he added.

NCC Development vice-president Clarence Synard stated the company is happy to have the opportunity to assist the hamlet in making its dream a reality.

"NCC Development Limited is very honoured, proud and excited to be a part of such a remarkable project," he stated via e-mail.

The project got a funding boost earlier this year when BHP Billiton Ekati Diamond Mine donated a "significant" amount to the project. The company would not disclose the amount but the money is to be used for construction and associated costs.

BHP Billiton will also donate a piece of 53-million-year-old wood from the kimberlite pipes at Ekati Diamond Mine.

Leblanc said BHP provided the biggest amount of money towards the construction, mostly funded by private enterprise.

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