Cambridge Bay Residents Anticipate New Youth Centre Opening by 2027

Residents of Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, are looking forward to a new youth centre, which is set to provide a dedicated space for local children by the end of 2027. The previous facility, which served the community of approximately 2,000, was destroyed by fire in 2022, leaving many young people without a place to gather after school.

The community has since established temporary youth nights at a smaller location next to the weight room. According to Darlene Eyegetok, the program coordinator, the absence of the original centre created challenges for local youth. “I feel like the youth kind of were lost walking around, getting into trouble,” she said. “But now I think they’re excited again to be here.”

The anticipated new facility is backed by a construction budget of $6 million, with funding coming from the Kitikmeot Inuit Association as well as municipal, territorial, and federal governments. Jim MacEachern, Cambridge Bay’s chief administrative officer, announced that the hamlet plans to award the construction contract next week. He expects the new centre to open its doors by the end of 2027.

Community Engagement and Activities

Currently, the temporary youth centre hosts various activities during the week, including baking, video games, and movie nights. Eyegetok emphasizes the importance of allowing children to shape their own schedules, enhancing their sense of ownership and involvement. “They share music and playlists with me, their ideas, their stories… I really missed hearing all their stories,” she reflected.

For many young people, the centre is more than just a recreational space. Fraser Lyall, an 18-year-old who frequented the old centre as a child, now works there and enjoys interacting with the next generation. “Sometimes the kids would fight over the game so we’ll stop them,” he shared, adding a humorous note about the occasional bickering among children.

The sense of nostalgia is palpable among residents, especially for those who spent their formative years at the previous centre. “It was a bigger space with a deck,” Lyall recalled fondly, reminiscing about playing, watching movies, and exploring the land with friends.

Future Aspirations for the New Facility

As excitement builds for the new youth centre, children are already voicing their ideas for features they would like to see. John Maksagak, 10, expressed his preference for “mini couches” to make the space more comfortable. Meanwhile, Tikhak, 12, has her sights set on having “two TVs” in the new facility to accommodate both movie watching and gaming simultaneously.

The future of youth engagement in Cambridge Bay looks promising with this upcoming investment. The new centre aims to create a vibrant community space where children can connect, learn, and grow, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. As the community eagerly awaits the construction of the new facility, the hope is that it will not only provide a haven for children but also play a significant role in enhancing their overall well-being.