Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 12/01) - The city of Yellowknife is getting a $1 million grant from the Department of National Defence to build a gymnasium beside its new arena.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem: "It's not everyday someone gives a million dollars."

"We are funding up to $1 million worth for the city to build a gym facility as part of their (arena) complex," said Capt. Brian Martin, spokesperson with Canadian Forces Northern Area Headquarters.

Martin said the department started talking to the city nine months ago.

According to Martin, the city will own the gym, but provide the department with priority access.

"The city is responsible for maintenance as long as they meet our requirements," said Martin who said requirements are a large room for basketball, volleyball and circuit training along with a locker room for a sports gear, and lockers for military.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said he's happy the city and the department hooked up.

"We've been working on this for a few months. It's not everyday someone gives you a million dollars and said we'll use it in the day and you can use it at night," said Van Tighem.

Martin said the grant will benefit the city and Canadian Forces.

"It allows us use of an area to play sports, which we are lacking, and benefits Yellowknife for use after hours," said Martin.

The city and the department are still negotiating the fine print.

Van Tighem said the city hopes to insert an indoor running track.

"This will bring the community closer together," said Martin. The Yellowknife gymnastics club is also in negotiations with the city to build their own addition to the new arena.

The arena is scheduled to be completed in Sept 2002.