NNSL (Dec 19/97) - The city has been given a vote of confidence by Yellowknife Minor Hockey.

Spokesman Gary Vivian said minor hockey is backing the city's design for a new arena complex over one recently initiated by Ninety North Construction and Ter Hamer.

"The one we've been working on with the city is far more amenable to the ice-users than Ter's," said Vivian, referring to a plan developed by Ninety North Construction and Hamer, spokesman for Sport Plus Yk, an association of user groups.

Hamer put together the Ninety North plan in an attempt to produce a lower-cost alternative to the city's twin-pad design.

Both plans provide for standard and Olympic-sized ice surfaces, plus a viewing area, storage space and change rooms. Hamer's also includes space for a gymnasium.

Ninety North estimates its facility will cost $5.86 million to build, plus another $845,000 for the gym.

The most recent estimates for the city's design peg the cost at $8.89 million.

Vivian said there are a number of concerns, apart from the gymnasium, he has with the Ninety North proposal.

First is that Ninety North's cost estimates are not as firm as those developed by the city.

Second, though ice users have had some input into the Ninety North design, they have been far more involved in developing the city's.

Vivian also said minor hockey does not like the layout of dressing rooms and believes not enough storage space is provided in the Ninety North design. Vivian noted banquet facilities, considered an important element by many potential users, are not included in the Ninety North design.