Hay River (Sep 25/06) - The territorial government has once again changed its plan for creating a new home for the Territorial Treatment Centre (TTC), which is moving to Hay River from Yellowknife.

A few weeks ago, the plan reverted to renovating the closed Dene K'onia young offenders facility to house the TTC, which treats young people with behaviourial problems.

The more than $3-million renovation project was originally announced in the spring of last year.

However, a consultant advised government early this year that Dene K'onia could be torn down and rebuilt for the same price as renovating, and a tender call for renovations was cancelled.

"Upon closer scrutiny, it was determined to be somewhat optimistic," said Health and Social Services Minister Michael Miltenberger of the demolish-and-rebuild idea.

"We would not be able to do it for the budget figure that was there," he explained.

Miltenberger said the change of plans and ensuing delays have been frustrating.

When renovations were first proposed, it was anticipated that TTC's move to Hay River could happen in 2007.

As for when the project might now begin, Miltenberger said, "It will not happen soon enough."

The Department of Public Works and Services is preparing a schedule on how to proceed towards design, a new tender call, the beginning of renovations and occupancy.

Miltenberger noted, the $3-million estimate for the project is now about two years old. "We'll wait and see, but clearly the figure is dated."

Great Slave MLA Bill Braden opposes the move of the TTC to Hay River. He said it is being done for political reasons.

Braden, who represents the Great Slave riding, the area of Yellowknife in which the TTC is located, said the change of plan shows "incompetence" by the departments involved.

Braden doubts the project can still be completed for $3 million.

"This delay continues to drive the cost up."

The MLA noted the original plan was to have the move completed by the fall of 2007, but he doesn't think that's possible now.

Hay River South MLA Jane Groenewegen said, despite the change of plan, Hay River is not losing anything because the value of the project hasn't changed.

"The really good news is the government is still committed to having the treatment centre in Hay River," she said.

Groenewegen doesn't think the project will become too expensive, noting there should be competitive bids because the Hay River construction sector is not overly busy.

The TTC employs 17 full-time and six relief workers to supervise boys and girls aged eight to 12.

It houses up to eight children at a time from various NWT communities.

The Dene K'onia building, which was constructed in the 1960s, was closed in April of last year by the Department of Justice in a cost-cutting move.