Iqaluit Schools Seek Community Input on Future Plans

The Government of Nunavut is reevaluating its plans for elementary schools in Iqaluit and Apex, seeking public input to inform the process. This initiative involves a series of public meetings scheduled this week at Nakasuk and Joamie schools in Iqaluit, as well as at Nanook School in Apex.

Greg Belanger, spokesperson for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, confirmed that various options, including school amalgamation, are currently under consideration. The initiative aims to gather feedback primarily from parents and caregivers of students within each school community.

The consultations are part of a broader capital planning process, which follows an initial round of discussions held in the fall of 2022. During those meetings, attendees were presented with several potential scenarios to consider. These included options for renovating existing schools, replacing them entirely, merging two schools while rebuilding a third, or amalgamating all three institutions into a single facility.

The Department of Community and Government Services is responsible for conducting regular maintenance checks on schools to identify necessary repairs and infrastructure issues. Many local schools are overdue for renovations. For instance, last month, Nakasuk School experienced a temporary closure when indoor temperatures soared to 30 degrees Celsius in some areas, highlighting the urgent need for improvements.

The upcoming consultation sessions will take place from 18:30 to 20:30 on the following dates: Tuesday at Nakasuk School, Wednesday at Joamie School, and Thursday at Nanook School. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will compile the feedback received and present options and recommendations to the Department of Education, which will ultimately make the final decision regarding the future of these schools.

This collaborative effort underscores the importance of community involvement in shaping educational infrastructure. The outcomes of these consultations could significantly impact the learning environment for students in Iqaluit and Apex.