(Postmedia News via Canada. com, 17 July 2010) — Construction has started on a large-scale upgrade to Arctic research facilities in Resolute, an isolated community that's in the running for a new High Arctic research station promised by the Conservative government. Two Quebec companies issued a news release Friday saying they will deliver 31 prefabricated modules to Resolute next week. Construction CEG and Concept Mat — two companies based in Matane, Que. — said they"have beaten the clock" on delivery of the modules, which are"adapted to the rigorous climate and conditions of the Nunavut territory in Resolute Bay.

"The multi-task building includes a state of the art laboratory, complete kitchen, dining room, living room and 35 rooms as sleeping quarters," the news release said. A spokesperson listed on the release did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. The federal government announced the Polar Continental Shelf Project upgrades in January 2009. Meanwhile, community leaders in Resolute are hopeful Prime Minister Stephen Harper will soon declare their community will host a long-awaited High Arctic research centre.

Mayor Ludy Pudluk said the hamlet has been told to expect the announcement during Harper's scheduled visit there at the end of August. That's near the end of Operation Nanook, the military's annual summer exercise in the Arctic."It's going to be good, not only for Resolute, but for the High Arctic," Pudluk said."We need more air traffic up here."

Tagged: Arctic, News, Research infrastructure