by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Dec 05/97) - With $1.6 million in city funding on the line, the public board of education has pitched an alternative plan to the city for an expansion of Sir John Franklin's gymnasium.

"Here's a way we might be able to work together and realize, not all of the elements originally planned, but a significant number of them," Yellowknife Education District No. 1 chairman Kenneth Woodley told a city committee Monday.

The floor plans Woodley presented provide for a full-sized gym with bleachers, viewing area, four change rooms with showers, a separate fitness area, climbing wall and food preparation area.

Gone are an indoor running track, multi-purpose hall with seating for 800 and a coat-check area -- elements envisioned by the city when the partnership with the board was discussed.

City estimates for the facility, because they did not take into consideration higher construction standards required by the board, were found to be low. Two weeks ago, council put the partnership on hold when it was informed it would have to cough up an additional $1.35 million on top of the $1.6-million contribution that had been discussed.

Woodley told committee Monday the board has budgeted only $900,000 for the project.

When asked if the board could find any more money for the project, Woodley replied, "It's kind of a Santa Claus thing -- one could always ask (the board)."

Council was also concerned about what access to the public would have to the school gym.

"We (the board) haven't discussed this," responded Woodley. "There would obviously have to be some negotiations."