Published 12:40 pm Tuesday, December 2, 2025 By Darrell Greer, Local Journalism Initiative Northern News Services There was joy in Arviat on Nov. 20 when the Mark Kalluak Community Hall reopened to the public. Multiple problems with the floor and foundation had caused the hall to be closed since the end of September, with repair costs currently sitting at well over a $1 million. In a summary of the problems sent by Arviat Mayor Joe Savikataaq Jr., two main problems plauging the hall were highlighted. First, the floor where the water tanks are located collapsed due to chronic damage and flooding. Those repairs have been completed. Second, wrote Savikataaq, the actual floor at the community hall is seeing the effects of permafrost thawing, with the foundation being pushed up and making the floor uneven. Just recently, thermosyphons were installed to keep the ground frozen, with the next step being to level the building, which will most likely take up to two years to complete. Well-known hockey tournament organizer, Gleason Uppahuak of Arviat, said he arrived at the grand opening about 90 minutes after the community feast started and the games began. He said a large number of people came out for the event. “They did a raise and level, that’s what we called the project, to get the hall back open again,” said Uppahuak. “All the beams in the floor were all crooked, and they had to shut it down for safety reasons, but everything is finally good now and everyone is happy that it’s open again. “I don’t believe it being closed for awhile really affected the majority of our population too, too much. We have drop-in centres that kept the kids pretty busy and the gym was open every night. “At the same time, not being able to hold square dances this time of year really affected some people, especially with the big square dance competition (George Haapanaaq Memorial) coming up soon.” The first dance competition was held in 2019 and it’s picking up steam again after having been stalled for two years during the pandemic. Uppahuak said everyone was really happy during the reopening celebration. He said there was lots of laughter going on and everyone was having great fun chasing the prizes being offered in the various games. “A musical chairs game they were playing was a lot of fun for everyone. An organizer with a microphone told everyone when the music stopped to look for someone wearing glasses. So everyone was looking for someone wearing glasses to take their hand and get back to the centre of the hall and grab a seat. “People were really having a good time. “There were about 300 people, or so, playing games and watching the festivities at the hall. “Everyone is happy the hall is open and things are getting back to normal again, especially with the square dances coming up. The square dance competitions are always a big deal in Arviat.”
Mark Kalluak Community Hall in Arviat reopens for business
