Nunavut gets $25M from feds for 5 infrastructure projects

The federal government will kick in $4 million ofIqaluit's new $40 millionaquatic centre, and $2 million towards theKenojuak Cultural Centre in Cape Dorset.

Federal Fisheries Minister Hunter Tootoo made theannouncement in IqaluitMonday, where he and Premier Peter Taptuna announced a total of $50 million in funding for infrastructure projects in the territory.

Those includeupdates to the Cambridge Bay arena,upgrades for other community arenasand replacingplaygrounds.

In all, the federal government is committing about $25 million. TheNunavutgovernment will pay $6.5 million.

The hamlet of CapeDorsetand the City ofIqaluitare contributing a total of $18 million towards their own infrastructure projects.

"I'm very happy and pleased that these projects have been identified by the Government ofNunavut," saidTootoo.

"I've always been a strong proponent of recreation, that's my background, and the importance that recreation can play in young people's lives."

Tootoo would not comment on any additional federal money for infrastructure projects in Nunavut, such as housing.

"Any new announcement or investments would have to wait until after the federal budget,"Tootoo said.

The leaders had nonew information about the progress on the Iqaluit port and the Pond Inlet small craft harbour.

"The sooner the better," said Taptuna.

"We've been talking about this for a long, long time and our federal partners have been very, very cooperative," added Taptuna. He said more detailswill likely come after the federal budget on March 22.

By the numbers

Here's the total amount each project will get from all three levels of government:

• IqaluitAquatic Centre phase 3 development $14,080,918

• Cape Dorset's Kenojuak CulturalCentre development $10,020,000

• Cambridge Bay Arena repairs $4,200,000

• Upgrading Community Arenas $19,918,400

• Replacement of playgrounds $1,700,000