Jim Little objects to 'some outsider' guiding city vision

Iqaluit is importing some help to develop a vision of what Nunavut's capital city will look like in 50 to 100 years.

Council voted last week to hire consultant Isabel Budke for a four-month term, during which she'll guide city staff and run public meetings to design a more environmentally-friendly city.

But Budke's tenure almost didn't clear the first hurdle, despite passing 3-1 with Coun. Jim Little opposed and Coun. David Alexander abstaining.

Deputy mayor Al Hayward had trouble finding another councillor to second his motion to hire Budke. Coun. Claude Martel did so reluctantly, concerned that the $58,000 to hire Budke "is too much money." That figure covers four months' salary and housing for Budke. Budke's employer, the International Centre for Sustainable Cities, is covering the cost of her flight north.

Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik argued the city needs a long-term plan to qualify for the federal gas tax transfer as well as another capital agreement with the Government of Nunavut to replace the one that expires this year.

"If we don't do this (long-term plan) we don't get $5 million in gas tax money," Sheutiapik said. "That's expensive."

Sheutiapik also said the city doesn't have the staff available to take up the long-term planning process and cautioned councillors they will have to step into that role if the city doesn't bring in outside help. Iqaluit has been without a deputy planner for most of the year and Budke's pay is coming from unspent money set aside to cover planning department salaries.

"If you don't approve this tonight I hope you're ready to wear that hat," she said.

Little objected to hiring "some outsider" to guide long-term planning in the capital and said there are qualified local people willing to do though job, though he didn't give any names.

That angered Hayward who told councillors that Budke's work was warmly received by councillors and the public at a planning workshop the city held this past March.

Budke works for the International Centre for Sustainable Cities, which oversees the Plus Network, as 28-city group that shares tips on how to develop greater urban environmental sustainability.

As part of membership, member cities commit to 50- to 100-year planning exercises. Iqaluit is the smallest, newest and northernmost member of the Plus Network, which includes cities in Canada, Mexico, India and 11 other countries.

Budke's online biography says she's worked as a professional planner for seven years, including work with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the Sliammon First Nation outside Powell River, BC.