Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Inuvik (May 03/01) - The first meeting of the new family centre's design and construction committee was held last Saturday to discuss the timeline and design possibilities for Inuvik's new leisure centre.

The committee decided on construction scheduling, budget constraints, a basic design and how the project will proceed from here.

Working with Victor Davies, the specialist design consultant from Victoria B.C., the team looked at several projects Davies and his firm have worked on in the past.

The consultant assures the centre is going to be much more than just a swimming pool.

"It's going to blow everybody's brains out," Davies said.

To open-up discussion, the consultant had some example drawings and images of past projects the company has designed and the committee discussed possible additions.

"We're going to have one body of water, but within that body of water have a 25-metre pool with four lanes," he said. "That will work its way out to a leisure pool area."

The wet area will have a lazy river, a bubble machine, rain drops and a large hot tub.

The lazy river is a circular waterway with jets that create a current. He says kids like to float with the current, while adults appreciate walking against the resistance.

"There is all the fun and games for the kids, but it also has a therapeutic effect to it," he said. "It's not just a swimming pool; it has a therapeutic benefit and it's a fun place -- it's a community centre."

There will also be two squash courts, a sauna and steam room, a children's party and play room and a pool side cafe.

"That will be the social nucleus of the whole place," Davies said.

Initially, he had drawn up designs, but later found that they exceeded the $6 million budget, so he's turned the process around.

"We're going to start with the budget we have and work backwards," he said. "From the look of it at the moment that looks to be about 20 to 25,000 square feet."

In mid-June the committee plans to host an open house to allow the public a chance to view some proposed drawings and offer their input to see what they'd like in the centre.

Once a plan is approved, the foundation construction will begin this September and the building construction will begin next spring. Earliest completion is slated for June 2004.

Mayor Peter Clarkson said the first meeting of the design committee went very well.

"It was exactly what the design committee needed," Clarkson said later. "To come together and talk to an expert in leisure facilities to discuss options, ask questions and see what we want to do."

"In one day, I think we were able to accomplish our objectives."

He said they have been working on the project for over a year, but it was very helpful to see the options available.

The design and construction committee are: Michael Fabijan, Michael Muller, Alan Davis and Marcel Beaudoin. Deputy Mayor Arlene Hansen, Coun. Vince Sharpe and Coun. Gary Smith will also sit on the committee.

Clarkson said the group offers a wealth of resources and experience and will work well as a team.

"I think the committee is going to come together nicely," he said.