Inuvik (Jun 16/06) - It's been 18 months since the Mackenzie Hotel was closed, and now a new structure stands in its place.

The new three-storey hotel boasts 97 rooms, a restaurant and lounge.

Vince McCarthy, from left, Vince Brown and Brian McCarthy are all members of the Mackenzie Delta Hotel Group. The trio stand proudly in front of the new Mackenzie Hotel, which has been constructed over the last year. The hotel opened on Tuesday for delegates of the Inuvik Petroleum Show. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Vince Brown is the president of the Mackenzie Delta Hotel Group, and said the construction of the new hotel has been progressing nicely.

"We're close to being on track, we have had a few small delays but nothing major," said Brown.

The old hotel was closed in January 2005 then demolished. Construction began a few months later.

"We had the pilings being laid at this time last year," said Brown.

The goal was to have the hotel open for business for the 2006 petroleum show, which concludes this afternoon.

"The rooms were ready for the petroleum show, but the restaurant and lounge aren't done yet," said Brown.

The hotel began collecting names on a reservation list last summer, and they were confirmed once it was clear rooms would be ready in time for this week's show.

"We wanted to make sure the rooms were done before we booked them," said Brown.

The building is one of the first in town to utilize spray foam insulation.

"The foam is watertight, and the insulation is great for the winter months," said Brown.

He said every room in the hotel is equipped with DSL Internet, and on-demand movies. Deluxe suites come with a hot tub.

"The more deluxe rooms have big screen TVs and leather furniture."

The grand opening part will likely take place in late July.