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INUVIK
The first informal meeting of the newly reconvened economic development and tourism working group met for the first time of the season Sept. 6.

Jackie Challis, economic development and tourism manager for the Town of Inuvik, chaired an informal meeting Sept. 6 that covered tourism development opportunities in the region. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

Jackie Challis, economic development and tourism manager for the Town of Inuvik, said the informal meeting was a good way to share ideas and brainstorm feasible solutions for Inuvik and the surrounding region.

The board room in the Mack Travel Building on Mackenzie Road was full, with 16 participants from all walks of Inuvik life and branches of government.

Challis said there are a lot of people who would visit throughout the year if there were promotions or deals they could track down.

By getting more people in town, there would be a trickle down effect to all businesses in Inuvik, she said.

One example was the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada conference that was scheduled for Sept. 25 to 27.

Unfortunately, Challis got the news Sept. 10 that the conference had been postponed.

"It's still a good jumping point for ways we can work around conferences," she said.

"How can we maximize their footprint while they're here?"

Challis said they were planning a Town of Inuvik booth at the now postponed conference so the approximately 150 attendees would know what was going on in town and what they could explore.

It's not the first time an informal group has gotten together and tried to find tourism solutions.

"We had a very active group six to seven years ago," said Judith Venaas, Inuvik regional tourism manager.

"We're trying to revive that and begin again."

Newton Grey, president of the Inuvik Chamber Commerce, said every little bit can help.

It can be the simplest thing, like taking visitors out to watch the Northern Lights, he said.

"Once they're here it's about keeping them here," said Grey.

Challis said there are amazing opportunities available, it's just about making use of them.

"Things are hard in Inuvik," said Challis.

"Businesses are really struggling and that's why we should promote everything we have to offer while people are here."

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