Inuvik (July 14/06) -Many generations have gone through the doors of Sir Alexander Mackenzie school (SAMS) and Val Tomlinson wants to ensure they'll be able to visit the building and the scene of their memories for years to come.

Val Tomlinson has been fighting to preserve Sir Alexander Mackenzie school as a heritage site, which would save it from being demolished once a new school is built in the near future. Tomlinson was at the residential school reunion gathering support for her cause. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

The building, which was built in 1958, has served the community as an elementary school since then. But with the territorial government planning to soon put up a new school, SAMS could end up being demolished.

Tomlinson is a member of a group of concerned residents who want to preserve the memories in the old school.

"I heard from a lot of people who wanted to keep the building around for future generations," she said.

She was recently at the residential school reunion to gather support and comments about the 'Save SAMS' project.

"There are people here who have both good and bad memories of this place," said Tomlinson, as she sat in the school foyer.

A petition was started earlier this year and has been circulated throughout town during community events.

"I was out walking around for Canada Day, and Inuvialuit Day, and other events with lots of people," she said.

Tomlinson plans on bringing her petition to town council, and having them work towards designating the building as a heritage site.

"I don't know how many signatures I need, but I have more than 10 per cent of Inuvik's population so far," said Tomlinson.

Mayor Peter Clarkson is against turning the school into a heritage site for a few reasons.

"It would cost too much to keep the building open, and we could make a better centre ourselves," said Clarkson.

Clarkson wants a heritage site for the community, but suggested a new building be used.

"SAMS is old, and it would take too much to renovate it and keep it up to code," he said.

Even if Tomlinson presented her petition to the council, Clarkson said it couldn't do anything.

"The territorial government built the school, and they still own the land and building," he said.

Clarkson said that even if council wanted to support the cause, and pay for the building's operation and management, it would be costly for taxpayers.

Clarkson said the costs of keeping the building open would call for an increase in property taxes.

"How many of those people who signed the petition (would be willing to) pay double their current property taxes for it?" asked the mayor.