PUBLIC UPDATE
INUVIK TOURISM GATEWAY SIGN
JUNE 28, 2021
As of Friday, June 25, 2021 the Inuvik Tourism Gateway Sign has been installed and can now be seen on Airport Road heading into Inuvik across from Carn Road. Site work is still underway.
BACKGROUND
First noted as a need and priority for updating in 2015, Mayor & Council at the time allocated monies from the Municipal Capital Budget to proceed with the planning for a new Tourism Gateway Sign for the Town of Inuvik. Site selection and preparation began in 2018 followed by selection of a design firm and public consultation and stakeholder interviews. Town Council approved the final design in 2020 and fabrication began soon after.
The Tourism Gateway Sign is designed to:
• Replace existing ageing signage with new, unique, & weather-resistant infrastructure
• To provide a significant gateway and a photo-friendly destination for visitors upon entry to Inuvik
• To establish and enhance a sense of place and visual branding to increase awareness of Inuvik as a destination ready to welcome visitors
• Provide a comfortable public space for both visitors and local residents
DESIGN
Three basic rudimentary designs were presented to Town Council for which they selected a preference. Moving forward the ultimate design including colours, motifs, & languages was heavily influenced by community and stakeholder input for those that attended the public open house, answered the online survey, or interviewed directly with the consultants.
COLOURS & SHAPES
The colours and shapes for the beams were inspired and designed to mimic the waving blues & greens in the Aurora, but also the blues & greens and winding curves found in the Mackenzie Delta. The base, made of Corten steel will weather through time and is meant to reflect the browns and natural colours of the tundra and boreal forest floors in the region.
MOTIF
The use of the Delta Braid, the traditional Town of Inuvik logo and local animals such as Grizzly Bear, Caribou, Moose, & Reindeer was the result of public consultations and stakeholder engagement. These same elements can be found on the new Special Events Pavilion located in Chief Jim Koe Park and are meant to bring cohesion in the visual identity of the community influenced by our local Arctic culture, landscapes, and surroundings.
LANGUAGES
Consultation with the public revealed that the desire to have the word “WELCOME” in English, Inuvialuktun, & Gwich’in was important for residents. The Town of Inuvik approached both the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Gwich’in Tribal Council for guidance on how best to source the correct spelling in both languages.
• Inuvialuit Cultural Centre provided final translation for preferred Inuvialuktun dialect & spelling of “Welcome” with guidance from their Regional Language Consultant
• Gwich’in Department of Culture & Heritage designated an Elder to provide final translation for preferred Gwich’in dialect & spelling of “Welcome”
OTHER SITE ELEMENTS
While the bright changing light of the midnight sun will reflect off of the multicoloured metallic beams, the Tourism Gateway Sign will also be lit in the winter months providing a beacon of colour and light as visitors and residents travel to Inuvik in otherwise darkened skies.
The site also features a “selfie-stand” allowing visitors who choose to pull-off and view the sign in closer range to place their camera, cell phone or device on an adjacent stand to capture their photo with the sign to share on social media.
As future years and budgets allow, plans to further develop the site include interpretative panels, walking paths, public seating, and installation of local plants & boulders to support a proper respite for travelers visiting Inuvik.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further project information including timeline, budget, early design concepts, budget, FAQ’s, & a complete Photo Gallery can be found by visiting the Town of Inuvik website at:
https://www.inuvik.ca/en/doing-business/inuvik_gateway_welcome_sign.asp
CONTACT
Grant Hood, SAO
Town of Inuvik
867.777.8600
sao@inuvik.ca
www.inuvik.ca
