Yellowknife (Sep 10/04) - There's no dearth of ideas about what to do with the Gerry Murphy Arena once the wrecking ball comes.

More than 100 people came to Northern United Place, Wednesday night, to hear a dozen presentations, where the gamut ranged from calls for an indoor skatepark to simply leaving the old building be.

Diane Boudreau would like to see a public market with cafes, art studios and a cultural area. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

City council held a similar gathering at City Hall last April, but decided they needed to hear more before the business of tearing down the historic Yellowknife landmark begins.

One government delegation that made its pitch last spring -- only to receive a rather chilly reception from city council -- came equipped this time with four expertly designed drawings and a miniature model of the site, showing everything from park benches and facades, even tiny trees made of ragweed.

A combination courthouse and Workers' Compensation Board office plaza was not high on council's list of favoured ideas, but architect Gino Pin insisted City Hall should take the idea seriously.

"If the court is not allowed to use the site, the potential for a remotely removed courthouse is very real," said Pin, explaining that a courthouse is an important central hub feature of any community.

He said the plaza would compliment already existing government buildings on Frame Lake's shore.

Two presenters said the Gerry Murphy site would be an excellent location for an indoor skateboard park. Several young residents sitting near the front with skateboards at their feet were in full agreement.

Christine Jenkins told the audience there is a growing demand, particularly in winter, because not all kids are interested in joining a sports team or drama class. "We could have the next Jordin Tootoo of skateboarding right here in our own fine city," said Jenkins.

She added an indoor skateboard park could be used by church groups to hold youth rallies and help keep kids out of trouble.

"I'm sure Mr. Witty could elaborate on that," she said to a roomful of laughter, referring to Coun. Doug Witty's recent call for a tougher approach in dealing with street crime.

Arts centre

Aurora Arts Society president Jan Fullerton proposed turning the site into an artist-run centre. She said local artists have few facilities available to them in which they can work.

She said the future building itself would become a work of art, with a gallery, black box theatre and murals adorning the walls.

"The arts are the cultural and spiritual heart of the city and Gerry Murphy is the physical heart of Yellowknife," said Fullerton.

Other presentations offered to turn the site into a French cultural centre, public market, mining heritage centre, library and park space.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem thanked the presenters, telling them that the city is still taking in more ideas and will likely make a decision next March.

Coun. Kevin O'Reilly reminded them that it would be helpful to include costs in their plans, something that received little mention up until now.

One presenter, however, did. Long-time Yellowknife resident Alex Debogorski said the city should find a way to keep Gerry Murphy the way it is, adding that he believes the old rink could be brought up to code for less than the $2 million-plus the city intends to fork out for the second pad at the Multiplex Arena.

"I'd say with the tiles ripped off, it still looks better than the Multiplex," said Debogorski.

"Give (developer) Les Rocher $1 million for a rent-lease agreement and it'll be up and running in less than a year."