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PAULATUK
Paulatuk's acclaimed mayor Ray Ruben says work will continue on projects to improve the community, including the major drainage issues that plague the town each spring.

Ruben said the natural drainage system, which usually carries spring melt-water away from the town, is now collecting water around homes as new building lots are being created.

"Where we're putting up lots, we're making grids that are blocking natural drainage during springtime," he said. "We end up with multiple puddles all over town."

The area's flat landscape makes it difficult to drain the water, which creates large, deep puddles, Ruben added.

"Some of the houses are surrounded by small lakes," he said. "It's really hard to control it."

The hamlet hired a consultant to assist with the project, which Ruben said could begin this construction season or next year.

He said the project is still in the planning phase, which includes determining how much it will cost.

Ruben also said the hamlet is also looking at constructing a five-bay garage to house its vehicles and equipment.

A consultant is looking at the feasibility of replacing the current three-bay garage, Ruben said.

The hamlet is working with the territorial Department of Transportation, because the garage also houses some equipment that belongs to the territorial government.

"Right now we've got roughly a half-a-dozen pieces of equipment that have to sit outside during the winter," he said.

Meanwhile, Ruben said work has begun to dismantle the camp used for the Darnley Bay project.

The camp is owned by the Paulatuk Development Corporation and was used for the project, which is owned by Darnley Bay Resources Ltd.

The company had been exploring the area for about 10 years before a drilling project was set up in 2010.

Ruben said the project has now come to a standstill and the community is taking the camp apart.

"Where I'm sitting, it seems like it's pretty much done from our point of view," he said.

"There is no other way we can utilize that camp."

Ruben said he is hopeful another company will express interest in the area.

"Who knows, hopefully somebody else will pop up," he said.

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