July 21, 2000
Nunatsiaq News
IQALUIT — Another chapter in the on-going saga over the arena-recreational complex planned for the 2002 Arctic Winter Games in Iqaluit took place this week.
An Iqaluit resident brought appeals before Iqaluit’s development appeal board on two points.
William (Bill) MacKenzie said he wants to see proof that two municipal bylaws (444 and 445) were followed, and that notice to the public was given about changes to zoning for the land to be used for the new arena.
"I never remember that happening," MacKenzie said.
In a second point, MacKenzie said the new building would be in conflict with parts of two 300-metre easements that accommodate air navigation equipment located near the new arena site.
The equipment was placed on a hill opposite the home of Iqaluit resident Bryan Pearson "many years ago" and there are restrictions under the Navigational Act MacKenzie said.
"[The building] meets the spirit and intent of the Iqaluit general plan," said Matthew Hough, the Town’s development officer after outlining the process leading up to council’s approval June 11 for the new arena’s development permit.
Carl McLean, the secretary to the development appeal board, said the board would have to meet privately to render a decision on MacKenzie’s appeal.
Bryan Pearson, who lives close to the site of the new arena, appeared in support of the appeal.
Bronyk Skavinski, an Iqaluit business person. and Gilbert Normandeau, the general manager of the AWG Host Society, appeared in opposition to MacKenzie’s appeal.