by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (DEC 11/96) - City council is getting a clearer picture of what Yellowknifers want their new twin arena and family youth centre to look like.

Ter Hamer, of the Wade Hamer Foundation, said at Monday's council meeting that the structure should be more than a sports facility.

He maintains it should be designed to give youths a place to hang out.

"Let's not just talk Arctic Winter Games," Hamer said. "Let's talk about the thousands of kids who need it. It will give them a place to go when it's 40-below."

City council is working toward opening the $6 million facility by March 1998 for the Arctic Winter Games.

One of several to present ideas on the arena at the meeting, Hamer proposed the youth family centre be composed of different sections -- with moveable walls similar to St. Patrick high school gym that can accommodate different activities happening at the same time.

Hamer maintains that such a flexible design would make the facility a place for all different age groups -- both youths and adults.

Kern Von Hagen, principal of St. Patrick high school, proposed the location of the facility be in the downtown area, namely for its closeness to schools.

Hagen also suggested that downtown access would also be convenient for residents of Dettah and Ndilo who may be interested in using the facility.

Alderman John Dalton named Niven Lake as one possible site for the twin rinks.

Members of the sport community are organizing a series of public meetings to discuss the arena.

The first of these will be held Dec. 30 to give Yellowknifers who attend school outside the city an opportunity to give their input on the project.

While Dalton was pleased to see people taking initiative in the project, he urged the sports community to coordinate public meetings with the city, who are also planning public consultation.

There will be other meetings in the new year.