Iqaluit getting 700 new postal boxes

I would like to respond to the Feb. 8 letter from Solomon Awa, “Iqaluit needs more post office boxes.”

It is regretful that some customers do not have access to a postal box in the post office but, as residents of Iqaluit know, office space is an issue in the city.

Since the City of Iqaluit became capital of Nunavut, the population has increased rapidly and is projected to be 10,000 by 2008. With this in mind, Canada Post initiated a study to determine the present and future postal needs of residents of Iqaluit. We investigated the availability of real estate for expansion, franchising opportunities and expansion of the present post office location.

Unfortunately, the only viable option is a short-term solution. In an effort to improve service and alleviate congestion at the counter, we are targeting June 1 to have 700 new postal boxes installed in our present facility. This should take care of our customer’s needs for the next 12 to 18 months.

Once the city completes its street-naming project, we will be in a better position to expand delivery services and provide a more permanent solution for our customers in Iqaluit.

We thank you for your patience and understanding.

John Caines, media relations
Canada Post
Ottawa