Peter Crnogorac
Northern News Services
Friday, February 16, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - City council members are admitting that the spending plans for the proposed fieldhouse escalated out of control, something they should have had a better check on.

On Monday night, council voted to bring plans for the fieldhouse back to committee meeting, because the final price tag was $13 million above funds they had for the facility.

"Although I do support the fieldhouse, I warned against this from the start," said Coun. Dave McCann. "The expectations for this project spiraled out of control; I'm not surprised it turned out this way."

In 2003, the estimated cost of the facility - which was envisioned to include soccer pitches and a running track - was gauged at $6 to $12 million.

When council opened up the design concept to the public and interested groups within the city, they watched cost estimates climb to more than $20 million.

The more extravagant blueprint included the original pitches and track in addition to a day care area, public gym facilities, conference room and a spacious parking area.

McCann said the city did not plan the project properly and council did not stop the project before the price tag became unattainable.

"We should look at the base of the project first," he said. "Then we can look at add-ons and other options."

With $13.25 million in cash for the project, council would have no choice but to borrow an additional $13 million for the project.

"Although it is important for the city not to spend beyond its means, which means no borrowing - it is unfortunate for the people who worked so hard to get to this point," said Coun. Kevin Kennedy. "In the future, we as a council should make clear what we can and can't do before a project moves forward."

At a Feb. 6 committee meeting, council unanimously decided not to borrow the money.

All members at that time underlined the point that the fieldhouse was not dead, but in purgatory.

"I want to put the emphasis on the fact we are not putting the brakes on the fieldhouse, but that we are looking at other options," said Coun. Paul Falvo.

At Monday's meeting, councillors voted unanimously to have the fieldhouse plan go back to the working committee set up for planning the project, but did so solemnly.

"I support the recommendation," said Coun. Falvo. "But we should look at this as intermission and halftime and not game over. This short gain will garner an overall gain."

Besides the city's $8.3 million contribution to the project, the Facilities for Kids put in $100,000 and a yet-to-be-named sponsor added $750,000.