Chesterfield Inlet needs more gravel, MLA says
Gravel a key part of construction projects, maintaining community, MLA Sammurtok said
MLA for Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin-North Alexander Sammurtok said that Chesterfield Inlet has been in need of gravel for at least a year. He asked Government of Nunavut Minister of Community and Government Services David Joanasie what will be needed for Chesterfield Inlet to qualify for a granular crusher. (File photo)
Chesterfield Inlet is in need of more gravel to maintain itself and grow, the community’s MLA says.
Alexander Sammurtok brought the issue up Wednesday to Community and Government Services Minister David Joanasie in the legislative assembly.
The hamlet has been trying to get more gravel since at least last year, Sammurtok said, adding its sustainability plan states there’s a “shortage of gravel and there’s an urgent need to develop a new source of material.”
Gravel is needed for road repairs, as well as the construction of housing and a new power plant in the works for the community, Sammurtok told Nunatsiaq News. Gravel is also needed to create paths.
The Department of Community and Government Services has $5 million set aside in its capital budget for a granular crushing equipment program.
Sammurtok asked Joanasie for an update on that project.
Joanasie replied that the GN has the funding for a granular crusher program but a policy is not in place yet. He wasn’t able to provide a date for when communities will be able to apply for crushing equipment but said he expects that to happen this fiscal year.
“There’s interest for that [program] and I’m sure Chesterfield Inlet will be one of the first applicants,” Joanasie told Nunatsiaq News.
Joanasie added that Chesterfield is not alone in Nunavut in needing gravel.
“We know there are many communities that are struggling in their [gravel] supply,” Joanasie said.
“But we do want to support them in their cause and work with them on a regular basis.”
In the meantime, Joanasie said the department is working with Chesterfield Inlet to procure more gravel. That includes possibly expanding the hamlet’s municipal boundary.
This is a complete joke policy’s and civil servants Doing nothing to move some dirt
This been an on-going gravel issue in the Municipality of Chesterfield Inlet over 35 years and counting! Not new with this current government! Non-decentralized communities are basically NOT considered priority! GN executives cannot keep up with paperwork demands! Partial factor is poor education background! Learn to live – lack of infrastructures!