Jess McDiarmid
Northern News Services
Published Friday, January 18, 2008

YELLOWKNIFE - Several committee recommendations on the fieldhouse project narrowly scraped through a council vote Monday night.

A stipulation that the structure be pre-engineered metal passed in a 5-3 vote, as some councillors said passing it now would save time and effort in the future, while others argued council shouldn't tie down designers and should keep options open.

The previous council determined a pre-engineered metal structure would be best after extensive consultation with the public and professionals.

But Coun. Paul Falvo said it was an important, costly decision for the city.

"It's very important that we're getting the best view and the best facility that we can," said Falvo. "Sitting here right now, I simply don't have the knowledge to say that a pre-engineered metal structure is the correct choice. It might well turn out to be but I don't know that now so I think we should be keeping our options open."

Councillors Falvo, David Wind and Dave McCann voted against the recommendation, while stressing they did support the fieldhouse.

That recommendation was one of four regarding the fieldhouse brought to council from the Priorities, Policies and Budget Committee.

The committee also recommended that administration propose terms of reference for a pre-tender design and development committee.

The committee's purpose would be to create a tender package and implementation plan for the fieldhouse, including two soccer pitches and an indoor running track, on a $16-million budget and that administration bring forward suggestions for funding.

Brooks said $14 million is available from city coffers for the project and another $1 million from a non-profit organization.

The remaining $1 million will likely come from sponsors or fundraisers.

The recommendation means administration will explore other options should any planned funds fall through. There are no intentions to borrow money to complete the project.

The third recommendation for the creation of a pre-tender committee with a budget not to exceed $16 million was also a contentious issue, bringing a tie vote that had to be broken by Mayor Gordon Van Tighem.

Coun. McCann suggested they prioritize beforehand to avoid trying to figure out what to cut if the project goes over budget.

"It seems we start the project with great enthusiasm but we get to a point where, whoops, we're over budget and the agonizing and hand-wringing begins," said McCann.

Councillors Kevin Kennedy, Mark Heyck, Paul Falvo and Shelagh Montgomery opposed the recommendation.

The city put out a request for expressions of interest last year and received nine that said the project could be completed for $16 million or less.

Administration will now draft terms of reference for the committee as well as recommendations of who should sit on it. Brooks said he hopes that will be finished in a month or so.

Coun. Lydia Bardak said the project, originally meant to be in place for the upcoming Arctic Winter Games, needs to get moving.

"Nothing saddens me more than knowing we don't have this facility ready for them," said Bardak. "It's been on the table for a very long time and I think it's high time we move forward with this."