Yellowknife (Sep 17/03) - The Gerry Murphy arena is finally on its last legs. Boarded up and vacant, it sits awaiting demolition, which, according to Grant White, will be before the end of this year.

"It is in the budget for this year," the director of community services said of the tear down date.

Once the city gets the engineering report back, which is "due any day now", White said a tender will be called for demolition.

That process usually will take about one or two weeks, he noted.

While the approaching colder weather might pose the usual difficulties, White said it will not prevent the tear-down.

He does not know what the demolition will cost although it is estimated in the budget the cost of tearing down the arena will be $235,000.

Built in 1954, the arena began as a natural ice skating rink and was later renovated to contain artificial ice.

The all-wood structure was boarded up last year after the fire marshal determined it would have to undergo one million dollars in renovations to bring it up to safety standards.

The arena will also undergo an environment assessment as part of the green demolition project, White said, although he did not know the associated cost.

"That will show what can be diverted to the landfill site and also the condition of the soil. We will get that report back later this month," he added.

The environmental assessment will also determine whether asbestos is present in the building and whether the paint contains lead.

There is not as of yet any predetermined use for the parcel of land on which the arena sits.

While last year an interest was expressed by the community of Rae in obtaining the ice plant, he said no further discussions with Rae have taken place.

The recreation coordinator in Rae could not be reached by press time for further comment.