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Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
 Capital costs
Total - $6,000,000 Operating costs
Total - $300,000
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A debenture is a bond-type debt instrument often used by municipalities to raised capital for infrastructure projects.
The proposed family centre would include a year round pool, amid other facilities such as a fitness room, children's play area, squash courts, youth activity centre, aerobics room and social area. Its projected cost is around $6 million.
Mike Muller, a member of the committee which since April has been looking into the possibility of building such a centre, spoke to town council Nov. 14. He explained that committee members propose that $3 million for the centre can be raised through fundraising.
"This is a good time to go forward on the family centre," Muller said.
In a 5-2 vote, council approved a motion to hold the plebiscite. Council will approve the wording at a later date, and though the date of the plebiscite is not yet fixed, it will be early in the new year, most likely during February.
Voting in favour of the plebiscite were deputy mayor Arlene Hansen, as well as councillors Richard Binder, Vince Sharpe, George Doolittle and Don Craik.
Voting against the motion were councillors Denny Rodgers and Clarence Wood. Coun. Garry Smith was out of town.
Last Friday, Wood explained he opposes holding a plebiscite until funding is in place, and referred to the plan to raise $3 million.
"These things historically have not happened, so that we've been stuck with the entire bill," Wood said.
"We want to see all the homework done prior to even thinking about a plebiscite, and that's the big thing. I'm sure both of us feel the same way, that a family centre is something that is nice, it's something that we probably need," he said.
"But at this point in time it's a luxury, and I really don't think we can afford it."
Rodgers also expressed doubts that $3 million could be fundraised. He said that while he likes the idea of such a centre, more realistic costs, especially regarding operation and maintenance, need to be brought forward. Rodgers said ratepayers need to know what impact this building will have on their bills.
"You can not build a building of that size without an increase to the tax, it's as simple as that," Rodgers said.
Having said that, he said, "I'd pay an extra $200 a year on my taxes to have a year round pool for my kids. I'd love it."
Operating expenses
According to information in the proposal submitted to council, the projected operating costs for the Inuvik Family Centre are about $375,000 per year, with annual operating revenue estimated at $300,000.
Concept drawings of the family centre were done by Northern Engineers and Architects.
Mayor Peter Clarkson said more information is to be prepared so the community is better informed on the project prior to the plebiscite.
The town currently still has about $900,000 to pay off on its debenture for the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex.
The amount owing would probably be combined into a debenture for the family centre, if the project goes ahead.
Earlier this week Muller said Inuvik residents have been asking for a facility like the family centre for many years, and that it would benefit the entire region.
"There's a bunch of different recreational opportunities for all kinds of different ages, which is a very positive thing," Muller said.
"We have a great rec centre right now, but it's somewhat focused in the kinds of activities you can do."
He said having an indoor pool would encourage more people to learn to swim, or practice more.
"It builds on an identified community need, and it does so in a way that's as cost effective as possible."
