Andrew Raven
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 02/05) - Yellowknife now owns its own arena - with some added sparkle thanks to Diavik Diamond Mines.

Yellowknife mayor Gord Van Tighem presents a $1.1 million cheque to Mark Anderson, Diavik Diamond Mines president, Monday. The mining giant was the lead contractor on the Yellowknife Multiplex and used its experience and assets to save the city nearly $2-million. - Andrew Raven/NNSL photo

The city finished paying off the last of the $1.1- million it owed Diavik Monday, after the mining giant acted as general contractor for the multi-million dollar Shorty Brown Arena.

Using its industrial might, Diavik saved the city nearly $2-million in construction costs, said Mayor Gord Van Tighem. The arena was also finished two years ahead of schedule.

"It is great to be involved in the community," said Diavik president Mark Anderson, who assumed the post four months ago.

Construction on the complex began in the fall of 2000, but the project suffered from initial delays and cost over-runs. With the help of Diavik, the two-rink arena was finished on budget, said Van Tighem.

While Diavik helped build the arena, their contribution went beyond that, Van Tighem said. The project also provided valuable training for local workers and is a "model" for other groups looking to finance capital ventures.