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( See related: 'We don't want it' )
Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services
 Former mayor Dave Lovell wants Gerry Murphy Arena to be turned back into park space. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photos |
On one side is the NWT Workers' Compensation Board, which wants to build a joint facility with the Department of Justice for a new headquarters and a courthouse. In the other corner, is everybody else who came to City Hall, Monday, proposing either the site be turned back into a park, a cultural centre, or a little bit of both.
The WCB/courthouse venture would consist of two "distinct but adjoining" buildings constructed on the lot, said WCB chair Andy Wong.
The government spent $1.2 million renovating the current courthouse on 49th Street only two years ago.
"Ideal" for development
Wong told city council that the Gerry Murphy site is ideal for a courthouse and WCB office. He said it would compliment the already existing government institutions parked on the shore of Frame Lake, including City Hall, RCMP headquarters and the Department of National Defence.
"We believe this is the best site for a new development," said Wong. "We would ensure the development we're proposing enhances the area and natural surroundings."
Wong said the development would include a "civic plaza" out front.
He said it is important the WCB be given an "option to purchase" as soon as possible so they can begin planning, noting that it would be a multi-million dollar investment into the city.
Wong said buildings would be would be no taller than the bylaw specifies for the Frame Lake shore front -- 15 metres or 4.5 storeys.
Out of the approximately 30 people in attendance for the public presentations on the Gerry Murphy site, most people appeared in favour of leaving it open to public use.
Ecology North's Mindy Willett said their first preference would be park space, but if any building had be built to replace Gerry Murphy, then it should be open to the public, whether it be a library or a community centre.
Even former mayor Dave Lovell got in on the act, suggesting the site be reverted back to park space, as it was before the first Gerry Murphy Arena was built in 1950.
"I never talked to Ecology North, but having fought them for 10 years, it's very interesting that we're on the same page," said Lovell.
He said Samba K'e park next door has become infiltrated with drunks and other "undesirables" because of its relative seclusion. He said if the Gerry Murphy site was added on as a park, it would make the area more hospitable. "If we want to clean up the park we need to open it up to public view."
Diane Boudreau suggested the space be made into a combination park, city market, coffee shop, among other things.
"Even a fish market because every time (fish monger Nancy Buckley) is on the road I miss her," said Boudreau.
City council agreed to discuss the proposals at its next municipal services meeting two weeks from now. City administrator Max Hall said no date has been set yet to demolish the arena, but added, "we need to get started on it fairly quickly."
