Inuvik (Dec 03/04) - Faced with refurbishing Sir Alexander Mackenzie School or replacing it, the bean counters in the territorial government will opt for replacement, according to Finance Minister and Boot Lake MLA Floyd Roland.

The spacious classrooms and charm of the old Sir Alexander Mackenzie school could soon be nothing but a memory if the decision is made to build a new elementary school. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

While a renovation would likely cost much less than building a new $20 million school, Roland says the lifespan of a new facility makes it more economical to tear down the old school and start over from scratch. However, Roland concedes that a new school will not come with balcony seating and a stage like SAMS' current gymnasium.

"And that's what a lot of us don't like," he added.

Another option would be to build a K-12 facility similar to the Weledeh/St. Patrick schools in Yellowknife. The elementary and high school are connected by a shared gymnasium.

"This discussion is starting to happen," said Roland. "Is there a willingness to go down this road or should we stay on the path of (building) separate schools."

The foyer roof collapse and gymnasium fire earlier this year at the 37-year-old Samuel Hearne secondary school has resulted in the combined school approach being put on the table for discussion.

In related news, the tender for replacing SHSS's collapsed foyer will again be put out.

The two bids public works received -- one for slightly less than $1 million and the other for slightly more -- were both turned down as they exceed the project budget.