Yellowknife (Dec 10/03) - Don't expect to see a vacant lot next to City Hall any time soon.

Demolition of the Gerry Murphy arena slated for the end of this year has been delayed, said Grant White, director of community services.

"We are waiting for the environmental report which got delayed," White said.

"The project is now carried over to 2004 during the construction season."

Built in 1954, the arena began its service as an outside skating rink.

It is named after the late prospector Gerry Murphy, a long-time popular resident of Yellowknife.

White said demolition of the arena is budgeted at $235,000.

The environmental assessment will determine whether or not the wooden arena contains asbestos, or lead paint and the condition of the land.

White said the vacant arena should not pose a hazard.

"We've already reinforced it. It's boarded up and screwed shut."