SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The legislative assembly's backyard is getting a facelift with a new pavilion getting final touches this week.

Mark Deagle, of Got Wood – Log, Timber Frame and Antler Works, left, helps Tony Spirito, of Kasteel Konstruction Inc., attach a log to the pavilion. - Jessica Davey-Quantick/NNSL photo

The teepee-inspired pavilion replaces a previous structure that had been there for decades.

"We developed a project to enhance the area to make it more usable for the public and to get better use out of the site," said Brian Thagard, sergeant-at-arms at the assembly.

Phase one of the project involved putting in a fire pit and paving stones to provide access to the water. Phase two replaces the log pavilion that had stood on site for many years.

Thagard wasn't able to provide details on the cost of the project by press time.

"It was rotting out pretty bad," said Darren McPhee, supervisor with Kasteel Konstruction Inc., part of the team tearing now and assembling the new teepee.

Kasteel is working with Alberta-based companies Mark Deagle Log Building Ltd., and Got Wood - Log, Timer Frame and Antler Works to construct the new pavilion.

Once completed, the area will include the pavilion as well as a concrete bench.

"Basically it's (a) place of the people," said McPhee.

Blaine Barber, owner of Got Wood, said the entire structure is built of hand peeled cedar and douglas fur logs and shingles, and will be topped with a metal turret.

This is actually the second time this teepee has come together. It was originally built on a dock in B.C. before being shipped north.

"So this was built once, right from scratch, put together than you de-assemble it," said Barber.

McPhee has another way to explain the process, adding that reassembling the teepee was basically like putting "it back together like Lego."

The structure is planned to be completed this week, but the space won't be fully open to the public until the end of May.

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