Terry Kruger
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 19/00) - A new arena is likely to be ready for use by September 2001.

The question of adding a second sheet of ice to the facility has yet to be decided.

The city's public services committee met Tuesday to review options for replacement of the aging Gerry Murphy Arena, and recommends council proceed with phased development of a twin-pad arena, a move that would increase the number of ice surfaces to three by 2006, or sooner.

The proposal calls for a new arena, to replace Gerry Murphy Arena, to be built on vacant land near Sir John Franklin and St. Patrick high schools and Weledeh Catholic school.

One arena would be built for sure, with space left for a second one to be added on in five years time.

According to committee chairman Coun. Robert Slaven, the question that's now before council is whether to proceed right now with one or two sheets of ice.

One must be built right away to replace Gerry Murphy Arena, which the fire marshall says must be upgraded or closed.

"The question is when do we build the next one," said Slaven following yesterday's meeting.

According to cost estimates introduced at the meeting, the tab to build one arena now and the second later, or do both now, would end up costing the city about the same.

Building one right away would likely not require a vote because the city has enough money in its capital reserve fund to go ahead with construction of the first phase.

A second arena could be built in five years using block funding, again negating need for a referendum, or the city could seek to borrow the necessary funds, and would then have to seek public assent.

Slaven encouraged people to come forward with their ideas.

"I personally would like to see public discussion," he said, encouraging people to call or e-mail their remarks about the twin-pad arena issue before next week's council meeting.

He said by building both pads now, the second could be used in an interim basis for indoor soccer or other uses if there isn't need for three sheets of ice at this time.

The idea to plan for two sheets wasn't met without concerns, however.

Coun. Cheryl Best said possibility of parking problems could be a long-term headache.

"When and if this ever becomes twin, it's going to be an awfully crowded space," she said, noting the proximity of three schools and NACC.

The plan calls for up to 370 parking stalls, which city administrator Max Hall says is higher than what's required by city bylaw.

Coun. Alan Woytuik was opposed to building more than one arena on the site, saying the plan does little to address a recreation report recommendation calling for a multi-use facility that would include both ice surfaces, indoor running/walking track, space for indoor soccer and other rooms.

A running track will be considered for inclusion in the arena facility.

Coun. Ben McDonald said by locating the arena facility beside the schools, the city would be creating a multi-use facility, suggesting working with the school districts on joint programming that would incorporate all the arenas and school facilities offer to students and the public.

Superintendent of schools Dr. Judith Knapp told the committee Yk District No. 1 is willing to work with the city on developing joint-use arrangements.

"We have a great deal to offer but we would also benefit substantially," she said.