Taloyoak opens new hamlet office amidst big fanfare

Taloyoak’s new hamlet office opened July 12 at a reception featuring Leona Aglukkaq, Nunavut MP and national health minister and minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

The big blue, curved building is located right behind the old hamlet office and is now one of the largest structures in the town.

About 200 people showed up at the ribbon-cutting on the sunny Thursday morning to listen to speeches from Aglukkaq, Nunavut’s minister of community and government services, Lorne Kusugak, and others.

“This new hamlet office will strengthen the community and serve residents of Taloyoak well for decades to come,” said Aglukkaq in a July 12 press release.

The total cost of the project was $6.78 million, with the Government of Canada picking up $2.81 million, and the Government of Nunavut paying the rest.

A larger council chamber allows for public meetings, and the LEED standard energy efficiency of the building lowers operational costs for the hamlet.

The old hamlet office was too old and “unable to meet the needs of the growing community.”

Taloyoak has seen an 11 per cent increase in population between 2006 and 2011, according to the latest Statistics Canada census data.

Aglukkaq, whose roots lie in Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven, commended her government’s Economic Action Plan for the new office.

“The construction of this building created jobs, supported the local economy and is an excellent example of the Government of Canada’s commitment to improve infrastructure in Nunavut,” said Aglukkaq.

Aglukkaq is currently on a summer tour, sitting down with municipalities about a new long-term infrastructure plan.

The mayor of Taloyoak, Tommy Aiyout, praised the federal and provincial governments for the new building.

“The joint investment by our territorial and federal governments, in the creation of our new municipal offices has ignited a spark in our community which will be hard to extinguish,” said Aiyout.

“A renewed sense of hope and optimism has touched us all and we look forward to a much brighter future,” he said.