LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - The methods have changed but a Fort Simpson society is enthusiastic about reaching a major milestone in a long-standing project.

On April 15, a crew from Arctic Canada Construction Ltd. began demolishing the former Sacred Heart Rectory, a distinctive building located on Fort Simpson's main street. The demolition is part of the Heritage Centre Society's goal of creating a building that will house a museum and an art gallery as well as office space for two other societies.

The project to build the Heritage Centre Society in Fort Simpson has changed from a restoration to a renovation as demolition of the Sacred Heart Rectory began on April 15. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

"We're one step closer to our goal," said Martina Norwegian, a member of the society.

"It's exciting really. It's got the town a buzzing."

Norwegian said she has been called at home and at work and also stopped on the street by people who want to know what is happening. The demolition has come as a surprise to many.

The society's original plan was to restore the rectory, which was constructed in 1911 and was the village's oldest surviving building. Plans changed, however, after a structural engineer determined the building wasn't suitable for restoration. The decision to demolish the building was difficult, Norwegian said.

"When we had to tear the whole thing down it was really hard because our mission was to preserve and to promote," she said.

Under the new plan the society is re-envisioning its restoration as a renovation. A replica of the rectory in its original 1911 state - complete with dormers in the roof - will be built on the site, said Lisa Moore, a member of the society.

Material from the rectory has been salvaged and will be incorporated in the new building, she added.

The exact cost and timeline for the project is still being determined.

The current plan is to take down the whole building and dig around the cement basement to repair cracks in the walls and to seal it, said Norwegian. The foundation repairs should be done by the end of May and then the ground floor will be built to enclose the basement.

The two options for the rest of the project include waiting until enough funding is available to finish the whole building at once or using the current funding to build as much as possible, including the walls and roof, and then waiting to finish the rest.

Both options will require more fundraising. Norwegian and Moore were unable to say exactly how much funding is required because they are waiting for the final drawings, which will determine the ultimate project cost. In 2007, when restoration was the plan, the cost was estimated at $800,000.

The society is hoping to have the project completed in two years.

"It's all dependent on funding," Norwegian said.

"We are in the process of hiring a project co-ordinator to oversee the project and to look for funding to continue the building."

Having dealt with multiple setbacks to reach this point both Norwegian and Moore said they are feeling positive about the future of the Heritage Centre.

"With the support of the community and volunteers this will happen," Norwegian said.

"It's something the community wants and needs."