Taloyoak, Nunavut, opens its new $29.6M health centre

Residents of Taloyoak, Nunavut, celebrated the official opening of the community's new health centre last week.

More than 100 people crowded into the $29.6 million building for the opening ceremony Thursday, attended by Health Minister Paul Okalik, Deputy Premier Monica Ell, Nattilik MLA Jeanne Ugyuk and Mayor Joe Ashevak.

"Everybody likes the new building," said Ashevak. "It's like walking into a university hospital down in Edmonton, that's how nice it is."

It replaces the community's old health centre, which was built in 1987.

The Nunavut government says the new building meets current building codes for health care facilities and boasts digital X-ray equipment, modern patient examining rooms, a bigger waiting room, emergency treatment facilities, and apartments for health care staff and nurses on the second floor. 

Elder Philomena Totalik said she hopes Taloyoak's young people will eventually fill the jobs at the health centre.

"This place will become a workplace for these young people and children, so it's very important they stay in school to take over these jobs."

Resident Ellen Ittunga says the new facility will make a difference but they also need other buildings in the hamlet.

"The community is growing and the population is going up so we need more than just that, including a new school and more housing for the community."