YELLOWKNIFE - The NWT Mining Heritage Society is conducting major repairs this month to the old Giant Mine Rec Hall.

The 40-year-old building's roof has sprung a leak and needs replacement. The society plans to convert the rec hall into a mining heritage museum.

Walt Humphries, president of the NWT Mining Heritage Society, stands outside the Giant Mine Rec Hall. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

The heritage society has raised about 70 per cent of the $100,000 it will cost to replace the roof. It is seeking more donations and volunteers to help finish the job.

"We have about 70 members right now, but how many show up for a work party is something else," said Walt Humphries, president of the heritage society.

"As you start to renovate a building there is a lot of demolition that has to be done before you start the construction."

The bright yellow building is located on the Ingraham Trail, close to the Giant Mine boat launch.

After the roof is fixed, the inside of building will be renovated, which is expected to surpass the $100,000 the heritage society plans to spend on the roof. They had hoped to have the museum open this year, but Humphries said that's a long shot.

"I think if we get the building renovated this year, we will be doing well," said Humphries.

"We got the outdoor display going, and we're fixing that up."