Nathan VanderKlippe
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 01/02) - The Elks Lodge is eyeing the Gerry Murphy arena site for a new multi-storey, multi-purpose building.

The Elks is looking to partner with the Department of National Defence to create a building that will include offices, eating facilities, a large partitioned common room and perhaps even a running track. The building could even be home for a new Yellowknife library.

Representatives from the Elks will meet with the city's priorities, policies and budget committee Monday to discuss the idea.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said city council has a standing motion to evaluate future use of the site by May 31. Van Tighem said the arena location has long been considered a possible place for a new courthouse building, but no other firm offers have been made on the land.

"I think we're at the point where we have to start figuring out what the right course of action is (for the site)," said Van Tighem.

Elks publicity director Don Sass said the service club is "looking for council support that the concept is viable."