Fort Simpson (Sep 29/06) - Plans for the Sacred Heart rectory in Fort Simpson are moving ahead quickly following a meeting with funding agencies in Yellowknife.

Representatives from the Fort Simpson Historical Society met with officials from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment and the Department of Canadian Heritage on Sept. 14 to discuss their plans to renovate the rectory into a museum, art gallery and hub for creative activities.

With tentative promises of funding, plans are moving ahead to convert the Sacred Heart rectory into a centre for the arts. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Verbal commitments were made for some of the funding needed to move the project ahead, said Martina Norwegian, president of the Historical Society.

The Historical Society and the Open Sky Creative Society have been working on the project since 1995, said Norwegian.

The speed at which things are now moving came as a surprise, she said.

"We came away with a great deal of optimism and a great deal of encouragement that we are on the right track," said Gerd Fricke, superintendent of Industry, Tourism and Investment in Fort Simpson.

Built in 1911, the rectory is the oldest surviving building in the village.

Working together, the Historical Society and the Open Sky Creative Society are calling the rectory the Heritage Centre.

The project to restore the centre is estimated to cost more than $1 million.

With the promise of funding, the societies are working to meet criteria that have been set.

Members of both societies met in Fort Simpson on Sept. 20 to discuss creating terms of reference so a consultant can be hired.

By end of December, the consultant should have an implementation and a business plan written so a project manager can be hired to start the work, said Justin Carre, secretary of the Historical Society.

"It's all going to happen rather quickly," said Carre.

One reason for the short deadlines is the stipulation on the funds.

Funding available from INAC has to be used within two and a half years, said Carre.

Much work still lies ahead.

Extensive renovation is needed on the building's woodwork. The building also has no drainage or plumbing and work is required on the wiring, heating system and windows.

Despite the challenges ahead, members of the two societies are enthusiastic.

"It's real now. It's happening," said Carre.