Lisa Scott
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 27/05) - Park space, an amphitheatre, more parking and a new library are the new vision for the prime real estate left behind by the demolished Gerry Murphy Arena.

Doug Townson with Pin/Taylor Architects listens to comments from Coun. Dave McCann while explaining plans for a new civic park and City Hall area Monday. The plans include a new library, parking, and amphitheatre. - Lisa Scott/NNSL photo

A proposal by Pin/Taylor Architects shown to city councillors and administration Monday shows a two- or three-storey library looking down from the rocks above Somba K'e Park, a canoe-docking area, washrooms and a renovated City Hall at the site.

Computer-rendered drawings tacked up by Michelle Lavigne and Doug Townson reflect what the community has asked for, says Mayor Gordon Van Tighem.

"It's a solid presentation based on the discussions that have happened to date," he says.

The plan may look a little familiar to some at City Hall.

The library is plotted right where Pin/Taylor recommended the territorial courthouse - now going elsewhere - be built last year.

That plan was vetoed by council and the public, but the new vision of the City Hall/Somba K'e Civic area went over a little better.

Coun. Wendy Bisaro was "quite happy to take this forward."

"This kind of plan is what people are looking for," she said in committee.

Coun. Kevin O'Reilly called it "quite sound," but Coun. Alan Woytuik was hoping for a few more options to examine, rather than the one presented.

"It's a recycled plan that we've seen already," he said. "I'd like to see some options with some different themes."

Woytuik is also concerned that the conception process for the site be shared among the city's architecture firms.

Dave McCann and Doug Witty agreed with Woytuik, calling for a request for proposals for design work to be done at the site.

The city handed the $13,000 study contract to Pin/Taylor in January of this year because of their familiarity with the area.

Changes to City Hall were also included in the proposal. The building needs a more accessible council chamber, as well as public washrooms and a permanent special events kitchen for events like Caribou Carnival, Raven Mad Daze and other annual city activities.

A new library isn't in the city's plan, but was one of the requests that showed up in public consultations last year.

The building is not in the long-term capital plan or budget for the city. The official library report adopted by council decided it had a 20-year life span at its current location in the Centre Square Mall with renovations.

"The library is where it will be for the next 16 years," said Van Tighem, adding that council can always amend that plan if they want to.

What's next is for council to decide to start public consultations on the proposed site vision.

That includes a request for proposal for a co-ordinator for the public sessions and getting the study out in the public eye.