Two days ago, Igloolik’s nearly 1,700 residents have had two options for buying food within the community – the Co-op and the Northern store. Yesterday morning, the Co-op was engulfed in flames.
Arctic Co-operatives Ltd., the North West Company and the municipality have begun making plans to secure enough food and resources for the people of Igloolik.
Duane Wilson, vice-president of stakeholder relations with Arctic Co-operatives Ltd., said the company is considering over-stocking its Co-op convenience store in the hamlet with products typically stocked at the grocery store. He also predicts fuel delivery will not be impacted.
Locally owned Arctic Fresh, a company for ordering groceries online, has also stepped up to help the community of Igloolik by donating several pallets of food to be given to the local food bank. The company is also offering a 20% discount for residents using a special coupon code.
Food scarcity is an extremely prevalent problem in the entire territory of Nunavut. Losing a grocery store in a town can be devastating. Down to one store, the community of Igloolik may face times of empty shelves in the future as the stores struggle to bring in and stock food quickly enough.
The loss of the Co-op also severed cable television connections to the town, as the Co-op building houses the equipment for the televisions. There is no ETA on when service will be restored.
