Fort Simpson (Mar 31/06) - A decision about the future of Dehcho Hall should be made by the end of the summer, according to Mark Cleveland.

The building in Fort Simpson is home to GNWT Education, Culture and Employment staff, as well as non-profit groups including the library, Historical Society and the Open Doors Society.

The condition of the building is one of the primary factors the final decision will relate to, said Cleveland, the deputy minister of education. The department will examine the cost of upkeep needed to keep the hall in a suitable condition.

"Buildings have to be safe," said Cleveland. "There has to be a cost benefit for using them."

In a report prepared by the Department of Public Works and Services, $12.6 million is the estimated cost of work necessary to occupy the building for another 10 years.

In contrast, $9.3 million is the estimated cost for constructing a new facility for the government tenants.

Until a decision is made, the hall will be maintained.

A request for proposals was recently sent out by Public Works and Services for structural work to the building.

The work is needed to comply with orders received from the office of the fire marshal, said Mike Aumond, the deputy minister for Public Works and Services. The upgrades have to be completed by mid-2006.

A cost estimate for the upgrades will be decided based on recommendations from an architect. The decision to upgrade will have no effect on the long-term future of the building, said Aumond.

Public Works will be consulted in the final decision-making process.

"The economics are always an important part in determining which road to go down," said Aumond.

The program and future requirements of the Education, Culture and Employment tenants will also be a factor, he said.

Fire Marshal Bernie Van Tighem confirmed that the building needs a number of immediate upgrades.

The columns in the basement have to be inspected to ensure they are sound. Fire separations also need to be brought up to current codes, said Van Tighem.

Some work is also needed on the sprinkler system, including sending a sample of the sprinkler heads to a lab to be tested. Van Tighem said he's been working with Public Works to make sure the changes are made.

"The work has to be done to ensure the safety of the people and the building," said Van Tighem.

If Dehcho Hall closes, the non-profit groups housed in the building are unsure of where they would go.

"We are extremely fortunate to have the space we do to provide the programs for the children of the community," said Val Gendron, co-ordinator for the Open Doors Society.

The society isn't currently looking for a new space.

Members are also unsure where they would find a comparable space in the community, said Gendron.

"We are happy and content and just want to continue as we are," Gendron said.

Teresa Watson, a member of the John Tsetso Memorial Library committee, also wants to keep the current space.

"We would really hate to lose the space because we know we wouldn't get as much room in another facility," said Watson.

While the money for rebuilding doesn't include space for non-government tenants, Cleveland said they will try to work with the groups if they have to move.

In similar circumstances, organizations have been given room in buildings if they could cover the extra construction expenses for the space. This option will be taken into consid