Public services pushes for single pad arena
Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Feb 07/01) - The City of Yellowknife's public services committee decided to opt for a single pad arena built beside Sir John Franklin school instead of a phased twin pad arena.
Councillors Robert Hawkins and Alan Woytuik along with Mayor Gord Van Tighem voted for the amended recommendation -- which came from the prior council.
Councillor Kevin O'Reilly was the only committee member who voted against it.
The newly acquired Yellowknife Correctional Centre's land played the wild card in the decision.
The pastures gleamed greener on that side of the fence and most committee members could not resist the possibility of building a multiplex there in the future.
"There is a great opportunity at YCC, but there is an immediate need for a single pad," said Gord Van Tighem.
Ben McDonald, committee chair, did not vote because there was no tie to break but managed to put his own two cents worth in disagreement.
"The previous council charged a committee to make recommendations, now this council is saying it knows better," said McDonald.
"To say the work they did is for naught is beyond me," he said.
City Council will decide whether to accept the committee's recommendation next Monday.
