IQALUIT
He pushed Iqaluit to build an aquatic centre that everyone could use, and on April 18, the late Jimmy "Flash" Kilabuk's name was attached to a special fund to provide access to the pool for low-income children and their families.

Annie Nowdlak accepts a commemorative gift from City of Iqaluit Coun. Simon Nattaq in honour of her late husband at a ceremony to launch the Jimmy Kilabuk Children's Recreation Fund at the Iqaluit Aquatic Centre April 18. - Michele LeTourneau/NNSL photo

Kilabuk's wife Annie Nowdlak attended the ceremony. So did family members, some of which were swimming as the adults carried out the serious business of honouring a man devoted to his community.

"I'm very happy about what's happening," said Nowdlak, through city interpreter Jeanie Eeseemailee, after the event held at the centre. "Since I heard about it, I've been looking forward to it."

The fund is modeled after southern YMCA programs to facilitate the use of recreation facilities by low-income families.

Mayor Madeleine Redfern was the first to speak of Kilabuk, followed by Coun. Simon Nattaq and Coun. Joanasie Akumalik.

"As you know, Jimmy - as we lovingly know him, Flash - was a beloved former mayor and city councillor, firefighter and overall wonderful man. He had a strong vision to build an aquatic centre for all people of Iqaluit," said Redfern.

"He especially wanted to ensure all children had access to the pool. Jimmy would be so pleased to know that through his dedication, families who require assistance are now able to access this wonderful facility."

Through the REACH - Recreation, Environmental Leadership, Aquatic Centre, Community Building, Healthy Living - fundraising program, created in 2011, the city contributed more than $100,000 to support the fund.

Eligible residents can apply with the city on-line or at the Iqaluit Aquatic Centre.

As the fund grows, the city intends to ensure all families who require fee assistance will be included.

"When he realized he was not going to live forever, he urged the council to get this project done for the benefit of the community," said Coun. Simon Nattaq through an interpreter, adding Kilabuk worked very hard for the community for 35 years.

After serving as a volunteer firefighter, Kilabuk served as fire chief. He spent many terms as a city councillor throughout the 1990s, and as mayor from 1997 to 2000. He had been on council for three consecutive terms when he began to grow increasingly ill in late 2012.

Kilabuk died four years ago this month.

He earned the nickname Flash in the 1970s after winning Iqaluit's Toonik Tyme long-distance snowmobile race between Iqaluit and Kimmirut. Flash broke his own records year after year.

Akumalik, who is chair of the city's recreation committee, told those assembled Kilabuk was an inspiration to him, especially for encouraging councillors to speak their minds.

"He was very keen to see our children flourish and grow," said Akumalik through an interpreter.

"He would be very proud and very happy about what the fund represents."

As chair, Akumalik said he's excited about the program, and that children will have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities.

"It's a healthy outlet for youth, and an opportunity to grow and learn. It also helps with an improved outlook on life."

Nowdlak also said that no matter how hard her husband worked for the community over the years, he was always there for his family. Together the couple had seven children, one girl and six boys.

"He was always supportive. We went out on the land. He didn't let all his activities stop him from helping out at home and nurturing our children," she said.

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