Erin Fletcher
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 24/03) - With only 16 days left until it opens, there's a lot of work going on inside the new arena.

The gymnasiums lacked floors and changerooms and the concession stand were merely a metal skeleton in the corner of the second floor when more than 20 city councillors, arena development committee members and city staff toured the facility yesterday.

But Phase 1, the first sheet of ice, is almost ready. The ice sheet gleams under the halogen lights while the hockey nets lay off to one side awaiting the first game.

The five dressing rooms are almost complete. Even the benches and hooks are in place.

Over the next two weeks all the "life safety aspects" ‹ sprinklers, fire alarms and fire-rated walls ‹ made operational and the bathrooms, changerooms, lobby and ice will be completed, said Grant White, the city's director of community services.

And White is confident there will be no further setbacks.

"We've been working really close with PCL (the contractor), addressing any outstanding issues, and as of yesterday and today they assured us that probably the 10th we'll be able get up and running."

But Gary Vivian, the arena development committee chair, isn't so confident.

"It's still frustrating because I still don't see it being as close as Feb. 10," said Vivian.

"And although we've heard that Feb. 10 is the opening date, there is still going to be stuff going on in the inside of this building. My belief is that it is in our best interest to stay out of here until it is finished properly."

He said the drywalling and painting will continue for at least a few weeks after the doors open.

The much-anticipated project is now five months behind schedule and at least $2 million over budget.

The Yellowknife Skating Club will still retain the honour of being the first to set foot on the new ice if the arena opens as planned.

The city is working on a date and program for a grand opening event, said White. The name is also under discussion and should be finalized within the next few weeks.

The second ice pad should be completed in 2006.