Councillor, administration air concern over school site
Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Mar 07/01) - The city may be preparing to do an about face on its choice for the site of a new twin-pad arena.
An air of uncertainty now hangs over the Sir John Franklin high school site after one city councillor withdrew his support throwing the doors wide open for a renewed debate over site selection.
The site concern came up at Monday's weekly priorities policies and budget committee meeting when Coun. Dave Ramsay said he no longer supported the school site as suitable for a phased twin-pad arena.
Council and administration then withdrew behind closed doors to discuss other sites and get information on different construction contract options.
"I am having second thoughts on this because of the sheer volume of people with concerns," said Ramsay, who originally voted in favour of the school site.
"I really feel the city needs a new arena but this site has some difficulties," said Ramsay.
"It would make more sense to put the arena where there is more space."
Ramsay then asked administration to voice its professional opinion regarding the school site.
"Sir John wouldn't have been our recommendation," said senior administrative officer Max Hall, who recently returned from vacation.
Bisaro wavering
Coun. Wendy Bisaro also wavered in her support for the school site.
Bisaro was absent at the third reading vote but originally voted to push the by-law to build beside the school past second reading at a council meeting three weeks ago.
"I've had reservations since its inception," said Bisaro.
"I'm disturbed by the letter which I read today," she said referring to a letter from PSAV architects which advised against the school site.
Mayor Gord Van Tighem said he doesn't support the school site either.
"I don't think it fits that site," said Van Tighem.
Van Tighem said the reason for the in camera move was to allow for "open and candid discussions."
"Nothing has changed," said Van Tighem.
"There's still four other councillors that have to be in the loop."
Councillors Blake Lyons, Kevin O'Reilly, Ben McDonald and Dave McCann were not present at the meeting.
Van Tighem said geo-technical work is still proceeding on the school site. He said the site debate will go public at next week's committee meeting.
"I'm very pleased the site debate is being considered," said Coun. Robert Hawkins, who along with councillors Dave McCann and Alan Woytuik voted against the school site at last week's council meeting.
"I'm going to push for a new site when it comes up," he said.
Woytuik, a harsh critic of the school site, said he felt optimistic.
"We'll see what happens," said Woytuik, "I hope (Ramsay) will continue to pursue to it."
No other councillors could be reached for comment.
City council has two options if it chooses to change course.
It could let the bylaw they just passed sit or pass a new bylaw to rescind it.
