Katie May
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, July 9, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Construction of the city's new $2.1 million Somba K'e Civic Plaza next to city hall is underway and on schedule so far.

City crews cleared out the city hall parking lot and have started work on Frame Lake trail that should last until September 2008, when the plaza is expected to be complete.

Crews are now working on relocating the Fireweed Studio to make way for construction.

Municipal engineer Chris Greencorn said the crucial parts of the project will be putting in the electrical system between city hall and the RCMP building and pouring new concrete for the plaza parking lot, which is expected to start next week.

"Everything follows the concrete," said Greencorn.

The city hired contractors from out of town to put in the pavement. Crews are scheduled to do construction and repaving work on 49 Avenue over the next few weeks as part of the project.

"So far so good," Greencorn said.

"We're not behind schedule, yet."

the project is to include an amphitheatre, public art, change rooms, a memorial to the Gerry Murphy arena and, possibly, a new library.The city expects to finish the plaza by the end of next construction season.