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News Briefs: Wednesday, July 24, 2013
New CEO for Stanton
The Stanton Territorial Health Authority announced on Tuesday that Brenda Fitzgerald will be taking over as chief executive officer at the Stanton hospital. She has 30 years of executive experience in the health industry, including work in several acute care hospitals, according to the news release. Fitzgerald also served as the deputy health minister with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The new CEO will replace Kay Lewis in mid-September.
- Candace Thomson
Franklin construction
Starting next week, there will be lane reductions on Franklin Avenue between Old Airport Road and Norseman Drive. According to a news release from the City of Yellowknife, the northbound lanes will be closed, with traffic consolidated to the two southbound lanes, with one lane going each direction. The construction is due to water main renovations at Northland Trailer Park, with the new lines coming from the fire station. Construction is expected to last for at least two weeks, according to Wendy Alexander, manager of public works.
- Graeme McNaughton
Work on JTFN HQ
The military is looking to dig up its underground fuel oil tank and replace it with an above ground tank at it's northern headquarters.
The Department of National Defence estimates the cost of the work to be $159,000. The contract for the work is tendered and up for bidding by contractors. The work will take place at the Evan's Building, at the Joint Task Force North headquarters on 49 Street.
- Daniel Campbell
City launches litter program
The City of Yellowknife plans to tackle litter this summer and fall by rewarding picker-uppers.
Residents can receive a $5 gift certificate if they're spotted picking up garbage by city council members or municipal enforcement officers. The certificates go toward some city services, like booking facilities, paying library fines or registering for programs.
Mayor Mark Heyck said the program will help address concerns about litter in ditches, trails and roadways.
"Offering a reward for randomly picking up garbage helps promote good citizenry and heightens awareness surrounding the importance of properly disposing of garbage," Heyck said.
- Daniel Campbell
Graduation day nears
Arviat
Twelve students have nearly finished a program at Northern College that teaches the basic knowledge and skills needed to assist a surface diamond drill operator.
During the program the students took courses on operating hand and power tools, protecting the natural environment, working safely in a surface diamond drilling environment and following certain procedures.
The program is expected to wrap up July 26.
Happenings in the community
Chesterfield Inlet
Last month a first aid and WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems) course was held at the hamlet complex.
The program was open to any community members who wished to participate and about dozen residents showed up.
More recently, Chesterfield Inlet hosted an afternoon of activities in celebration of Nunavut Day.
Games were held around the community, followed by a barbecue at the baseball diamond. All the events were well-attended, according the hamlet's economic development officer David Kattegatsiak.
Improving the hamlet
Chesterfield Inlet
Minor upgrades are currently being made to Chesterfield Inlet's hamlet complex.
There are plans to put in new windows, paint the building inside and outside as well as upgrade mechanical systems, such as the boiler system and the fuel tank. The budget for the project is $500,000 and it is expected to be finished by the end of the year, according to the hamlet's economic development officer David Kattegatsiak
Additionally, the hamlet is set to finish upgrades to the community baseball diamond this summer. Workers will complete the chain link fence and smooth out the field, said Kattegatsiak.
Snacks for garbage
Repulse Bay
A community cleanup was held in Repulse Bay on July 16.
More than 100 people turned up to help out with the effort. Those who participated were treated to a barbecue, which was put on by the Northern store.
Softball tournament postponed
Rankin Inlet
The softball tournament that was going to be held in Rankin Inlet this past weekend has been postponed until September.
The event date was changed due to a series of unfortunate events, Robert Connelly, Rankin Inlet Co-ed Softball League spokesperson, wrote in an e-mail.
"That said, we are very excited about hosting the tournament in September and are very optimistic that we will have strong local and regional participation (and perhaps even Territorial participation)."
The winner of the tournament will move on to a national event in 2014.
New office will help address patient issues
Nunavut
The government of Nunavut has opened a patient relations office to handle complaints and questions from Nunavummiut.
Residents can contact the office if they need help navigating the health-care system, they have questions about patient rights or they have concerns about care and services.
The office will also work to address issues brought forward by patients and may make recommendations after investigating concerns.
All feedback provided to the office is confidential.
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