Government of Canada Invests in Community Development in Kugluktuk

Support for tourism development and arena to assist in economic development of community

IQALUIT, Aug. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister for the Arctic Council

Minister Leona Aglukkaq today announced investments in three projects in Kugluktuk to develop the community's tourism industry and provide much needed upgrades to the arena and community hall.

The funding will support the completion of a Tourism Implementation and Action Plan for the community with the aim of helping the Hamlet increase its tour capacity and product development planning. It will also assist in testing and developing customer standards and training for residents, which will lead to an increase in business and employment opportunities.

The Hamlet is also preparing to open the Kugluktuk Visitor, Cultural and Conference Centre. This new centre will be a major focus of tourism activities in the community. CanNor invested in the development of materials that tell the story of the Coppermine Inuit. The artifacts and display material will educate visitors as well as the youth of Kugluktuk.

Finally, CanNor is investing in upgrades to the Kugluktuk Arena and Community Hall. These upgrades include the purchase and installation of a new electrical system and sprinkler system to bring the building up to Canadian Building Code standards.

Quick Facts

• CanNor invested $64,000 in the Tourism Development and Implementation Plan. Additional funding is being provided by the Hamlet of Kugluktuk ($16,000) for a total project value of $80,000.
• CanNor invested $144,000 for the development of display materials at the Visitor, Cultural and Conference Centre. The Hamlet of Kugluktuk provided additional investment of $36,000 for a total project value of $180,000.
• CanNor invested $139,000 for upgrades to Kugluktuk's Arena and Community Hall with the Hamlet contributing an additional $139,000 for a total project value of $278.000.
• CanNor's total investment in the Hamlet of Kugluktuk is $347,000 with the Hamlet contributing an additional $191,000.Total investment in Kugluktuk for these projects is $538,000.
  
  

Quotes

"The Government is pleased to invest in tourism development in Kugluktuk. Creating a space where the community's history can be celebrated, the Hamlet of Kugluktuk is creating a unique opportunity to share its culture with both tourists and residents."
Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

"The Hamlet of Kugluktuk greatly appreciates the assistance from CanNor in these important projects - without this support we would not have been able to complete our renovations."
Red Pedersen
Mayor of Kugluktuk

Associated Links

• CanNor Invests in Cape Dorset Arts Community
• (http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=862799&_ga=1.55702563.989833213.1395757427 )
• CanNor Invests in Culture and Tourism in Nunavut (http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1387557427731/1387557474410)
• CanNor Invests in Nunavut Tourism Strategy (http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1389630569443/1389630614445)
  
  

Funding for these projects was made possible through CanNor's Community Economic Opportunity Program, Targeted Investment Program, and the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

SOURCE: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

For further information:

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Ted Laking
819-997-1441

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Craig Welsh
Communications Advisor
867-975-3722

Hamlet of Kugluktuk
Donald LeBlanc
Senior Administrative Officer
867-982-6500