TTHENAAGO/NAHANNI BUTTE - The floor in the gymnasium in Nahanni Butte will not be replaced until the new year.

Nahanni Butte was the last community in the Deh Cho to receive a gymnasium. The building was ready for use in December 2008 and was finished this spring.

Not long after its completion problems developed with the gym's floor. The thick linoleum flooring in the 327-square-metre gym began lifting, creating bubbles in the flooring.

The source of the problem was traced to the cement slab under the flooring, said Maurice Evans, the regional superintendent of the Department of Public Works and Services for the South Slave Region.

The cement slab hadn't dried sufficiently. As a result, the glue holding down the linoleum broke down, allowing the floor to lift, Evans said.

Originally it was thought the problem might resolve itself, but by the fall it became apparent actions had to be taken, he said. The flooring was removed and measures have been taken to dry the cement slab.

The process was originally expected to be completed and the floor replaced by Christmas.

"Unfortunately it's taken just a little longer than anticipated to dry the concrete out," Evans said.

The new goal is to have the floor replaced early in the new year.

The schedule is dependent on achieving the right level of dryness, he said.

As of Dec. 18, tests were underway to check the moisture level in the cement. When it's ready a sealant will be placed on the cement to cap it and then the floor will be laid down.

"We're very comfortable in our methodology that we will be able to do it," Evans said.

During the process the community has only lost a few days of gym time. People have been playing sports on the bare concrete since the floor was removed. On Dec. 18 the Nahanni Butte Dene Band held a community Christmas feast in the building.

"There was a good turnout," said Chief Fred Tesou.

Community members were disappointed when problems with the floor developed because they had waited so long to get the facility, said Tesou. Everyone is looking forward to having the repairs finished, he said.

The building cost a little more than $3 million. Evans was unable to say how much the repairs will cost.

The territorial government is paying for the repairs up front and will then sort out the issue of payment with the original contractor who is now involved in the repairs, Evans said.

Apart from the floor the building has no other deficiencies, he said.

"It's a good building," said Evans.