Work is underway to expand the Koomiut Co-op hotel to 15 rooms from the existing six.
Construction – which will entail putting a second floor on the building and adding some meeting space – is expected to be complete in spring 2019, according to Duane Wilson, Arctic Co-operatives' vice-president of stakeholder relations.
The Co-op is also planning to build a new retail store that will feature a bakery, Wilson stated. Supplies for that project are due to arrive on sealift next summer, meaning the new store won't be open until sometime in 2020, he said.
The existing store will be converted into a warehouse.
The Co-op has been in business in Kugaaruk for more than 50 years. It also offers fuel distribution and cable TV services in the community.
– Derek Neary
From rollerblades to skates
Taloyoak
The recreation department had a few successful months of rollerblading and floor hockey on the concrete floor of the arena.
Rollerblading was a new activity in the community, made possible by the hamlet's purchase of 60 pairs of rollerblades over the summer. The footwear was rented out for $1 per pair.
"It was very popular," said recreation coordinator Joseph Quqqiaq.
Quqqiaq is now focused on creating ice on the arena floor.
"In about a week and a half or so, we should have the arena open, hopefully," he said on Oct. 23. "We're trying to keep our youth active."
– Derek Neary
Invitation extended to elders for November activities
Iglulik
Weekly games and art activities will be held at the community hall in November and Iglulik's recreation staff wants elders to take part.
"Some elders like drawing and painting," said Fabian Ammaq, recreation facility supervisor.
The schedule of events should be posted in the near future, he added.
Ammaq, who has been working with the recreation department for 10 years, said he tries to keep events running smoothly for everyone.
"I help out with recreation and community hall activities. When they need help, they call me," he said. "If there's any problem with the gym activity or hall activity, they can come up to me and explain or ask me a question."
– Derek Neary