Wrecker ends chapter in Iqaluit building history

It took less than two hours Thursday to reduce an Iqaluit landmark to a pile of rubble, as a demolition crew knocked down the city's famous igloo-shaped cathedral.

Work began around 6 a.m., after being delayed two days by high winds.

St. Jude's Cathedral was damaged beyond repair by a deliberately-set fire in November 2005.

Reverend Methuselah Kunuk said Anglicans now need to look forward, and focus on plans for the new cathedral building.

"I think we all will be remembering what happened during the time the cathedral was there, the old one, but I think we should be looking forward to the new one as well," he said. "I'm looking forward to the new one and we will make it happen."

Plans are underway to raise $3 million for a new cathedral. A professional fundraiser hired by the diocese has sent proposals out to over 2,000 potential donors.

A local committee has also raised over $16,000 for furnishings and materials.