Iqaluit recovery centre road named Akausigiarvik Road

This story was updated Feb. 26 at 3:05 p.m. ET

Akausigiarvik Road, which means “to feel better road,” will be the name of the street that leads to Aqqusariaq, Nunavut’s new addictions recovery centre which is under construction in Iqaluit.

City councillors voted in favour of the name Tuesday night. The city’s planning department proposed it after consulting elders.

“By selecting a name that resonates with the centre’s purpose, it strengthens a sense of unity and intention behind both the road and the recovery centre,” said Maiya Twerdin, the city’s planning clerk, in a presentation to council.

“The decision to have an Inuktitut street name is a clear demonstration of the city’s commitment to preserving and promoting Inuktitut, particularly in spaces that will be a positive healing space for Nunavummiut.”

The city began looking for a name for the new street in April last year, with several options including those of famous Nunavut leaders such as Paul Quassa, Paul Okalik and Tagak Curley.

One of the top suggestions at the time was Saagiatuq Road in honour of Nash Sagiatook, the elder who picked Aqqusariaq as the official name of the new recovery centre. Sukaliareaq Road, meaning “the way to Suka,” was also one of the city’s suggestions.

In the fall, the City of Iqaluit, through its planning and development website, opened a forum online for residents to submit name suggestions.

Road to Somewhere was a popular suggestion, complimenting the nearby Road to Nowhere. Other names, submitted anonymously, drew upon other famous Inuit and characters from legends.

Even Roady McRoadface — a nod to an internet joke about people uniting to name a British research vessel Boaty McBoatface — drew several thumbs up.

After rounding down suggestions, city planning staff met with elders at the Elders’ Qammaq, where they came to the decision they presented to council.

“Let’s let them make recommendations on all future roads before it even comes to council,” Coun. Kyle Sheppard said, calling elder consultation “a good way of involving elders in our community.”

Deputy Mayor Kim Smith called it a “wonderful name,” and echoed Sheppard’s sentiment of consulting with elders on street names.

Smith also shared her appreciation for the residents who chimed in more comical name ideas.

“One thing I will always support is the right to be silly,” she said.

“It would never be for this road, but I would love if, one day, we found a backstreet somewhere that really didn’t matter that we could name Streety McStreetface.”

The name was approved in a 4-1 vote, with only Coun. Methusalah Kunuk voting against it.

Meanwhile, the Government of Nunavut is working to complete construction of Aqqusariaq this coming fiscal year, according to 2025-26 budget documents.

Note: This story was updated to note council approved the new name in a 4-1 vote. An earlier version had a different vote count.