Kent Driscoll
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Aug 08/05) - The ice surface closest to the lobby has been a source of trouble since 2003. It's sinking.

The arena was built for the Arctic Winter Games in March 2002. Iqaluit city council approved $330,000 to repair the ice surface of the Arctic Winter Games arena.

In a special council meeting on July 29, council voted unanimously to fund the project under the capital projects budget.

The concrete floor had sunk 17 cm by 2003. Now, the concrete is 23 cm below the bottom of the boards, and a small hole has appeared in the concrete floor. The arena has been closed to hockey since 2003.

In November 2003, city council approved $15,000 to study the sinking ice surface. The $330,000 will be used to study the issue further and to repair the damage.

The plan is to first remove the damaged cement and install new refrigeration pipes. The boards and the walkways surrounding the ice will also be strengthened and sand will be used to level the surface.

A construction schedule has not been set, and will depend on when the refrigeration equipment arrives via sealift.

"It (the construction schedule) will depend on what we see when we remove the cement," said Iqaluit recreation director David St. Louis.

Hockey players have been using the old arena in Iqaluit as their home since the closure.

"It's been OK. Having both arenas would give us better ice time slots and provide for more public skating," said St. Louis.

The city had considered closing the old rink when the new arena was built, but was persuaded to stay the planned demolition at a public meeting.

The Arctic Winter Games arena is now being used as a skatepark and a youth centre.