Aklavik, N.W.T., to get a new fitness room, Zamboni shed at its recreation centre

The recreation centre in Aklavik, N.W.T., will be getting an upgrade thanks to funding announced by the territorial and federal governments.

It's one of three communities in the Northwest Territories along with Norman Wells andFort Liard to have been granted funding through the Small Communities Fund to help with their selected public infrastructure projects.

Aklavik has been given $653,000 federal contribution to revamp the Sittichinli Recreational Complex, which was first built in the 1980s.

"It's a great boost to our community because it allows us to do some additions to our community centre," said Mayor Charles Furlong.

"We are going to be able to attach a fitness room to the existing arena, and also a small little storage area to put our Zamboni in so it's got easier access to our skating rink."

For projects in N.W.T. under the Small Communities fund, the federal government kicks in 75 per cent of the cost of the project, and funding from community/territorial government sources pays for the rest. The community funding for the Aklavik project is $217,666.

Norman Wells is getting $511,084 for renewal of eight gravel roads with chipseal, and Fort Liard will get $1,098,676 toward upgrades of its sewage lagoon, to enable the facility to maintain capacity for 20 more years.

In a news release, Caroline Cochrane, minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, said "the projects announced today will provide positive benefits and improve the quality of life for residents."

The Zamboni shack currently used in Aklavik is old and is not attached to the recreation centre, and residents have been using the old community hall as a fitness centre.

Furlong says the renovations will make Aklavik's recreation centre a one-stop shop.

"For the community... we are pushing for healthy living, healthy communities and healthy people. So now people [will be able] to go in there and use the equipment, and hopefully we will achieve those goals."

Furlong expects the improvements to the recreation centre to be done this spring.