Election 2013
Runways, recreation and research top list
Cambridge Bay candidates discuss issues
Miranda Scotland
Northern News Services
Published Monday, October 14, 2013
IKALUKTUTIAK/CAMBRIDGE BAY
MLA candidates in Cambridge Bay list atop their priorities a new community swimming pool and recreation facility, a paved airport runway and programs to prepare youth to work at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station.
If the runway isn't paved and lengthened soon, Cambridge Bay could lose jet service, say Clara Hokayak Evalik, Keith Peterson and Fred Pedersen.
"Both Canadian North and First Air, the combi jet they currently use to fly into Cambridge Bay, they say will be out of service in two to four years," adds Pedersen.
"So with that they won't have any other (jets) that can fly in here if we still have a gravel runway."
Meanwhile, the community swimming pool isn't cutting it either, say Evalik and Peterson.
It's very tiny, only about a metre deep and 12 metres wide, and open for just six to eight weeks.
"And you should see the lineups outside," says Evalik. "All the young kids in the community want to go swimming and that's probably one of the favourite pastimes."
The facility is also an important learning tool because they learn water safety and how to swim, says Peterson.
Both candidates want a new multiplex facility to replace the aging ice arena and community hall, which were built in the 80s.
"There is enough vandalism and kids getting into trouble that we need to make sure we give them opportunities to have access to good recreation facilities," says Evalik.
At the same time, youth also need to be encouraged to take advantage of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS).
The facility, expected to open in 2017, will operate a new science and technology program.
It will employ between 35 and 50 seasonal, part-time and full-time staff.
"We need to find a way through Arctic College and the high school to get more students trained in the areas of science and to offer more science-type programs in the school system," says Pedersen.
The territory needs to focus on developing its human resource, said Evalik.
Training and skill development is key to that but there must also be programs to support residents in their studies.
In many cases, the horrors of residential schools have been passed down to the next generation.
"I think we need to develop a coping skills program so they can take these courses and move on," said Evalik.
Similar to other candidates, the Cambridge MLA hopefuls raise concerns about health, food insecurity and housing.
The hamlet's health facility isn't being used fully because it's understaffed, said Pedersen, adding the problem needs to be addressed.
Peterson suggests the top floor of the building be converted to a physical therapy unit.
That way, he says, residents who need regular therapy won't have to constantly be going out of territory.
A local addictions centre is needed for the same reason, said Peterson. It's better when residents can stay close to home.
When it comes to housing, Pedersen believes the GN should be making better use of the space it has.
"For example, the government has vacant houses here that are slated for positions that aren't filled and I think (they) should offer up those units on short-term rental agreements to other government employees," he says.
"It could free up more housing or allow those workers to move out of housing they share with family."
