Yellowknife (Jun 21/06) - A multi-million dollar sports fieldhouse faces a crucial vote Monday.

That's when city council is expected to vote on a committee recommendation to spend $500,000 on an architectural and engineering plan. Original plans for the fieldhouse included two indoor soccer pitches and a running track, but there have been calls for other facilities to be included. (See accompanying story.)

Coun. Doug Witty told Monday's municipal services committee meeting that he is anxious to begin work on the project.

"We need to make a decision if we are going to move forward on this and stop spinning our wheels," he said.

He was supported by councillors Bob Brooks, Blake Lyons and Wendy Bisaro. However, councillors Mark Heyck, Alan Woytuik, Kevin O'Reilly and David McCann voiced concerns.

"I think it's premature to make a decision. We don't have all the information. I am not prepared to spend $500,000 on a project that we are not sure we can move forward on," said Woytuik.

"Is it a great idea? Yes. But at what cost? I have no doubt that if we build they will come, but if we build it, who will pay."

Facilities for Kids, which is managing the project, says it can't give council a firm cost projection without the architectural and engineering designs.

The number of competing city priorities, such as a new library, is also causing some council members to hesitate.

"The question is what do we want and what are the trade-offs?" said O'Reilly.

Witty said there is some urgency to move forward on the project to ensure costs don't inflate. Original estimates pegged cost of the fieldhouse at $6 million to $11 million, but that has jumped to $11 million to $$20 million.

Also, some funding deals hinge on a 2008 completion, in time for the Arctic Winter Games.

That includes a pledge of $750,000 in cash and in-kind services from an as-yet-unnamed sponsor.

Concerns over possible tax increases due to the capital costs and subsequent operating costs for the facility are also causing doubts.

"A tax increase that brings more services to the community is more palatable than a tax increase that maintains the status quo," said Witty.

Mike Roesch, Facilities for Kids president, was on hand for the debate and he is awaiting Monday's vote.

"Nothing died for us today," he said. "They need more information. I think everyone is behind the project."