Peter Clarkson is challenging incumbent Clarence Wood for the title of Inuvik’s mayor in this month’s municipal election.
Inuvik, Hay River, Fort Smith, Norman Wells and Fort Simpson are each less than two weeks away from municipal election day, October 21.
Clarkson, a longtime resident of Inuvik, has previously served three terms as mayor and one as deputy mayor. He said he worked as a GNWT regional director in Inuvik between 2006 and 2020.
More: Incumbent Clarence Wood seeks another term as mayor
He told Cabin Radio he decided to put his name forward because he cares about the town’s future and wants to see strong collaboration with local Indigenous leadership. He believes his past experience makes him an ideal candidate for the role.
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“I think this has prepared me really well for the challenges that we face today, with the high cost of living and creating opportunities for lower cost of living, and hopefully more diversity in our economic development,” he said on Wednesday.
Those issues, he said, “need someone who’s willing to put in the time and the effort to make some things happen.”
Clarkson believes the Town of Inuvik can better work with the Gwich’in, Inuvialuit, Inuvik Native Band, Métis and the town’s two MLAs, Lesa Semmler and Denny Rodgers, to “share information and look at what some of the overall priorities for the community are.”
He also wants to find ways to help local businesses and push infrastructure projects forward like Inuvik Airport’s runway extension, a new airport terminal building, expansion of the town’s satellite and long-term care facilities, newer residential lots and solar energy projects.
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Moreover, he wants to ensure that facilities like the skating and curling rinks, swimming pool and library remain open for residents to use. Some, like the pool, have faced repeated closures.
Wood is seeking another term as the town’s mayor. Clarkson said he would be “a lot more collaborative” with council and Indigenous governments if elected.
“What are everybody’s priorities, and how can we work together to get things done? I think that’s going to be one of the first priorities,” Clarkson said.
“Then also looking at: what is it that we can do to help reduce the cost of living for Inuvik residents? Can we get better prices on utilities?
“It’s a matter of putting in the time, becoming informed on things and working with the staff that we have. I think the town has some great staff and [I am] looking forward, if elected, to working with them.”
An all-candidate forum is expected to happen in the town next week. More information is available on the Town of Inuvik’s website.
