December 1996 -- Sports community celebrates the city's plan to go ahead with a new twin-pad arena. Although the rinks will be the main feature of the sports complex, rumors abound that a gym -- suitable for sports such as volleyball and basketball -- will also be constructed.

March 1997 -- Contractor search. The mayor and city staff sign an agreement with Park Sanders Adam Viske and Clark Builders for architectural and engineering services and construction management.

May 1997 -- After consultation with sports groups, the city's community services committee unveils plans for a new $10.4-million community centre complex. The plan provides for a twin-pad arena, youth drop-in centre, meeting rooms, running track, children's play area and multi-purpose gym with climbing wall.

May 1997 -- Despite continued opposition, city hall continues to plan for a new arena and community centre on Twin Pine Hill. It starts the bylaw zoning change process necessary to make a $10.5-million facility a reality.

July 1997 -- City council decides to request land to build on Twin Pine Hill, but aboriginal groups control the land in question. Mayor Dave Lovell says the city would take it to cabinet because the commissioner's land issue has potential to stifle growth in the city. The proposed opening date for the facility was Aug. 31, 1998, but Lovell expects the project to be delayed by at least a year.

October 1997 -- Ice was a hot political topic during the municipal election campaign as political candidates, letter-writers and sports boosters hotly debating the need for a new arena and its cost. The city proposed a $10-million facility on Twin Pine Hill, but some residents asked for a cheaper building or one on another site.

November 1997 -- The city's draft 1998 budget holds the line on taxes, but it will have to borrow to pay for a couple of large new projects, including the arena. The forecasts call for an annual spending of $29.5 million, and revenues of $29.3 million, with a $1.5-million rise in the city's debt, which will bring it to $26.6 million.

November 1997 -- A motion is passed directing administration to consult with residents regarding locating the arena and meeting rooms at the GNWT warehouse site on the corner of Old Airport Road and Byrne Road.

February 1998 -- City council decides to ask ratepayers for approval to borrow $2.5 million for twin-pad arena, $150,000 for youth centre, $140,000 for a grant towards a gymnastics facility.