Nunavut Government Seeks Public Input on Iqaluit School Plans

The Nunavut government is reevaluating its plans for elementary schools in Iqaluit and Apex as it seeks public input on future developments. A series of public meetings is set to take place this week at Nakasuk and Joamie schools in Iqaluit, as well as Nanook school in Apex, to gather feedback from the community.

Greg Belanger, spokesperson for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, confirmed via email that “multiple options, including amalgamation, are being evaluated.” The consultations aim to engage all members of the public, with a particular focus on parents and caregivers of students from the affected schools.

The latest round of consultations follows the first set held last fall, where attendees reviewed various scenarios concerning the future of the schools. Options discussed included renovating and expanding existing facilities, replacing current structures, merging two schools while rebuilding a third, or amalgamating all three institutions into one. The feedback gathered from these discussions will inform the recommendations presented to the Department of Education, which will ultimately make the final decision.

The Department of Community and Government Services is responsible for conducting regular maintenance checks on schools to assess their condition and identify necessary repairs. Many facilities in the region are overdue for upgrades. For instance, last month, Nakasuk School experienced a temporary closure when indoor temperatures soared to 30°C in certain areas, highlighting ongoing infrastructure challenges.

The current consultation sessions are scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Nakasuk School, Wednesday at Joamie School, and Thursday at Nanook School. Community engagement remains crucial as the government moves forward with its capital planning process, ensuring that the needs and concerns of families are taken into account in shaping the educational landscape of the region.