Yellowknife (May 03/04) - After an unanimous vote of confidence from city council on Friday, Diavik Diamond Mines say they'll get to work on the second rink at the Multiplex, immediately.

"We had a progress meeting this morning (Friday), that given the city's acceptance of the proposal, we'll be ready to break dirt (today)," said Diavik's project principal, Glenn Zelinski.

Diavik's involvement also means the timetable for completing the second pad will move up two years to around Christmastime this year.

Diavik initiated a feasibility study of the work ahead after signing a memorandum of understanding with the city, March 31.

Last week, Diavik signaled that they were ready to move forward with the indoor work on the second ice sheet at a cost to the city of $2,230,000 -- about $400,000 less than the city originally anticipated.

Facilities for Kids have pledged $500,000 cash towards completion of the second ice pad, plus another $500,000 through in-kind donations and services.

On Friday, the city announced a total financial commitment of $2,825,000, which covers exterior work -- road construction, parking, and sewer relocation -- as well. The total price tag for completing the Multiplex was originally expected to reach $4.5 million.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said the lower cost and quicker pace will also move up city plans to build other recreational facilities, including an indoor soccer arena.

The city will pay back Diavik $1.23 million this year, and another $1 million next year. After that, the city will be free and clear to rebuild its Major Community Facility Reserve up to $2,103,000 by 2006.

"My focus is to get the indoor track (and soccer arena) so that people who can't go outside much can exercise," said Van Tighem, noting that diabetics and other people suffering disabilities have a difficult time getting exercise during the winter.

How things developed

• April 2002: last public skate at Gerry Murphy Arena.
• Summer 2001: plans change. The arena will be built beside YCC, not Sir John Franklin high school because of foundation and traffic concerns.
• August 2001: Cost estimates change when Yellowknife Gymnastics Club strikes deal with city to include gymnastics addition to arena.
• September 2001: Department of National Defence (DND) gave the City of Yellowknife a $1 million grant to help with construction under the provision that a gym facility be included in the construction of the Multiplex. DND would have priority over the gym.
• May 2002: Arena is now $2 million over budget. This is partly attributed to changing costs of labour in the North.
• September 2002: the first phase deadline. The first phase is not finished as scheduled and the cost of the total facility (both pads) has increased to over $13 million. This means an additional $3.5 million after the completion of the first phase for the second pad. Late deliveries of equipment pushed back the opening of the Multiplex again in October of 2002.
• February 2003: The Multiplex opens to the public, five months late and $2.8 million over budget. Construction is not yet complete. Things like bleachers still have to be finished. Cost estimates for the construction of the second ice surface have risen to $4.5 million.
• September 2003: Multiplex celebrates grand opening.
• March 2004: Diavik Diamond Mines and the City of Yellowknife sign a memorandum of understanding to built the second ice pad at a cost of just over $2 million.

-- compiled by Daniel T'seleie