by Jeff Colbourne
Northern News Services

BAKER LAKE (Sep 03/97) - Baker Lake will be the first community in the Keewatin to have a concrete floor installed in its hockey arena.

A construction crew was hard at work last week pouring cement to get the arena opened as soon as possible.

Hamlet recreation co-ordinator Jeff Seeteenak said a new floor means plenty more ice time and lots of year-round activities at the arena.

"I'm excited about it," said Seeteenak, last Monday.

Work began on the arena two weeks ago and workers were hoping to have the concrete floor installed by last Friday.

When asked if artificial ice is next the next step, Seeteenak said he didn't know.

He's keeping his fingers crossed though and said maybe the hamlet can push for artificial ice next year.

In the meantime, the hamlet intends to run all kinds of fun activities for the community's kids at the refurbished arena.

In the summertime badminton and volleyball courts can be set up and roller blade hockey can be played.

In the winter, ice can be put in sooner, lengthening the hockey and skating season.

Baker Lake is not the only community in the region that has been pushing for a concrete floor and artificial ice.

For the last year, Rankin Inlet hamlet councillors have been trying to get enough funds together to renovate their community's arena, put in a concrete floor and install artificial ice.

However, they're having a tough time getting the right amount of dollars to bring the building up to fire code along with their desired renovations.