by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 23/97) - Yellowknife's community services committee is proposing a $10.4-million plan for the proposed multi-use community centre.

A plan unveiled Tuesday outlines a facility that will include two ice sheets, a youth drop-in centre, meeting rooms, running track and children's play area.

Included in the plan is a partnership arrangement with Yellowknife Education District No. 1 that provides for a gym/multi-purpose hall and climbing wall as part of renovations planned for Sir John Franklin high school.

Council will consider the plan at their Monday meeting. They will also consider a recommendation on where the facility should be located.

The committee has recommended Twin Pine Hill, which overlooks Old Town, between Franklin and School Draw avenues.

Community services director Max Hall said the plan was based on the "big pictures" that emerged from a round of community consultations.

"Once council gives administration a budget (for the project) and its marching orders, a second round of consultations will be held to address the details," said Hall.

One detail already on the mind of ice users is making an Olympic-sized surface part of the twin-pad complex.

Gary Vivian, past president of Yellowknife Minor Hockey, told the committee an Olympic surface, along with five larger dressing rooms for each arena, were some of the details they wanted to see included in the plan.

Vivian challenged engineering estimates that a larger surface would cost an additional $57,000 annually in operation and maintenance.

"The opportunity to plan for such a project comes along only once every 20 or 30 years," said Vivian.