Arctic Bay, Nunavut – The Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Minister of Community and Government Services, today celebrated the official opening of the Akinnaq Pignuarvik Community Hall in Arctic Bay, Nunavut. The $5.9 million project is a joint Canada-Nunavut investment under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).   

“Gatherings for events are important to people in Nunavut,” said Minister Kusugak, “without funding from the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund program, the opening of this facility would not be taking place.  I am also pleased that representatives from our federal partner are able to be with us and share in Arctic Bay’s excitement.”

Akinnaq Pignuarvik literally translated means the West Side Community Hall as it is located on the western side of the community.  The name was selected by the community after an open call yielded a list of 120 proposed names.  It is the first community hall for Arctic Bay.  

“Places like the Akinnaq Pignuarvik are important for many Nunavut communities as a venue to hold feasts, play sports, and get together,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl who is Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). “The Government of Canada is proud to work with the Government of Nunavut to fund projects like Arctic Bay’s new community hall.”
 
The Akinnaq Pignuarvik was funded under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). The Federal and Territorial Government entered into a cost-shared Agreement in 2005 to fund recreational facilities, community halls, and energy-efficient infrastructure.   The total budget under MRIF was $57.8 million dollars for Nunavut projects.  The total contribution received from Canada was $19 Million. The program is administered by the Government of Canada through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).

If you have any questions or concerns about this issue or any other matter, please contact Leona’s office at:

Phone: 613.992.2848/866.267.7701
Fax:  613.996.9764/867.979.4193
Email: Aglukkaq.L@parl.gc.ca