CanNor funds expansion of two Nunavut community parks

A beachfront park in Kugluktuk and a planned outdoor wellness park in Sanikiluaq will each get a share of $825,000 in funding from the federal government, Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal announced Wednesday.

The funding from CanNor, or the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, is meant to support expansion and improvements of services at the two parks, the minister said in a news release.

In Kugluktuk, CanNor has allocated $325,000 to support landscape design, playground equipment, picnic benches, signage, new structures and campfire pits.

“This area is the first line of sight for marine visitors, so the revitalization project will help showcase our beautiful community,” said Kugluktuk Mayor Simon Kuliktana. 

In Sanikiluaq, $500,000 will go toward the project to develop a new outdoor wellness park. The money will be used to install fencing around the park, complete the concrete foundation for a basketball court and build an artificial turf and nets for the soccer field.

The community is providing an additional $225,000.

Acting Mayor Emily Kattuk added that at the back of the park there is access to trails for traditional, cultural, fishing and hunting activities.

“Northerners value their public spaces and they are a central part of their daily lives. Parks such as the ones in Kugluktuk and Sanikiluaq help provide a safe space for youth, adults, and families to play, gather and socialize,” Vandal said.

“By having more of these accessible spaces, we are supporting community well-being and enhancing participation in social and cultural activities that are important to building healthy and vibrant communities.”