When will GN fix its dangerous Nakasuk School boardwalk?

Last August, I was walking with my baby daughter and son on the wooden walkway between White Row and Nakasuk School.

Approaching one of several yawning gaps in the boardwalk, I was pleased to see that someone had placed a loose piece of wood lengthwise over the gap. I stepped on it, slipped, and heard the ominous thud of my baby’s head hitting the walkway.

Three women behind me were horrified as she started screaming. I was right outside my house. I took her in inside and found she was shocked, but not seriously hurt.

I immediately called the City of Iqaluit to schedule an appearance at the next council meeting. Before that meeting, however, I learned from a staff member that the boardwalk is, in fact, the responsibility of the Government of Nunavut.

The staff member knew this because she had heard similar complaints, and had already sent a letter to the GN’s department of education.

I now turned to my MP, Iqaluit Centre MLA Hunter Tootoo. Alas, an email to his office got no response. Another email to the minister responsible for education, Premier Eva Aariak, got a reply, but nothing happened since then.

All this took place months ago. Now every day, I see dozens of people using this walkway. Children running, elders stepping carefully, and mothers helping toddlers jump over the gaps where many board have either broken or been pried loose.

It is a dangerous eyesore, and a major liability to whomever is responsible for it.

But the walkway is also a valuable piece of infrastructure, a pleasant place to see neighbors, and a great spot for kids, far from cars, trucks and skidoos and lined on each side by bits of grass and tundra.

If only our elected MLAs cared!

Sara Minogue
Iqaluit

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