A second look at Illitiit handouts?

Iqaluit city council will likely take a second look at two contributions that they recently voted to give the ailing Illitiit organization for the Oqota homeless shelter and a youth cottage for young offenders.

On March 8, city councillors voted to give Illitiit $76,388 for the Oqota homeless shelter, and $147,829 for their youth cottage, on condition that the youth cottage’s ownership be verified and that all outstanding taxes and other bills be paid.

But at council’s March 22 meeting, Coun. Nancy Gillis said “new information has come to light” and she wants council to bring those motions back.

That “information” is likely a recent news item broadcast on CBC radio, in which Illitiit’s chairman said that the youth cottage is closing its doors until its financial situation is straightened out, and that another group may be taking control of the homeless shelter.

Council will likely deal with the Illitiit motion at its April 12 meeting.