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NNSL Photo/graphic

Work continues on the demolition of Akaitcho Hall. The building contains asbestos, lead and may possibly contain PCBs. - Michele Taylor/NNSL photo

Akaitcho Hall coming down

Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 04/06) - Efforts to remove hazardous materials from Akaitcho Hall have been underway for the past month, a process that must be completed before the former school residence can be brought down.

"There was an environmental assessment done prior to issuing the contract (for demolition), identifying hazardous materials and their location," said regional superintendent for public works, Brian Lemax. The building - located within a stone's throw of two downtown high schools - contains asbestos, lead and "possibly PCBs", he said.

Arctic Environmental Services was awarded the contract to do the job - to be completed by the end of August - at a cost of $961,000.

As to where the hazardous material would be disposed a call to Bruce Underhay, City of Yellowknife solid waste facility manager, confirmed the asbestos from Akaitcho would be buried - following strict environmental regulations - at the dump.

"All other (hazardous) materials like lead paint have to be shipped down south," he said.

Akaitcho Hall was last occupied by Yellowknife District 1 Education Board.

Named after Chief Akaitcho of the Yellowknives the building did not officially close until 1996 and at one time housed some of the North's now leading politicians and prominent northerners, such as Suzan Aglukark.

The property, located on 52nd Avenue will remain part of the education authority's land reserve.