YELLOWKNIFE - More projects than usual are planned for this summer's construction season, according to the city's manager of Public Works, Dennis Kefalas.

The road in front of the Yellowknife Inn, at 49 Street and 50 Avenue, was dug up last summer. The city is spending $7-8 million on paving, water, and sewer work this summer. - NNSL file photo

Five streets will be paved this summer, in the city's annual paving program. The remaining portion of Niven Drive will be paved as will as Demelt Crescent, Burwash Drive, and Rycon Drive.

The block between 51 Avenue and 52 Avenue on 50 Street will also be paved.

"The project has been on hold for a couple years and it's getting worn out," Kefalas said.

"When equipment is working there may be some minor delays," Kefalas said, but drivers can use other avenues.

"It doesn't usually pose too much of a hindrance to local traffic."

The two contractors for the paving program have not yet been determined, but both will be local, Kefalas said.

Each summer the city undertakes a pipe upgrade program, which is worth $2 million this year. The water sewer on Woolgar Avenue between Byrne Road and Bromley Drive will be replaced.

The city is starting work on reservoir expansion at pumphouse #1, which will be a three to four year project. In the coming years, a new pumphouse and treatment plant will be built.

Initial work will be done this summer on a small multi-purpose building for the future city plaza being constructed on the former Gerry Murphy Arena site. Waterfront amenities will be built this summer.

"It's to create a city plaza for everyone to use," Kefalas said.

Landscaping work, a parking lot, an amphitheater, and trails will also be created in the coming construction seasons.

Construction work usually begins by the end of June.

"A lot of times, especially with underground work, the ground is just starting to thaw by that time," Kefalas said. The city aims to have all work completed by Sept. 15.

The budget for paving, water and sewer work is $7-8 million, an increase of $1 million from 2006.

The budget for the city plaza work is set at $1.2 million.