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INUVIK - The leaking roof at the family centre is about to be a thing of the past.

A team of workers has been on top of the Inuvik Family Centre and Midnight Sun Recreation Complex for the past few weeks.

The roof connecting the Inuvik Family Centre to the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex is being repaired this month. The roof has been a problem in past years with condensation and ice building up in the gap between the facilities. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Problems with the roof started when the family centre addition was joined to the rest of the existing complex.

Rick Campbell, Director of public services for the Town said the leaking roof was due to a gap between the two facilities.

"There was air getting in, which led to condensation and ice buildup in the roof," said Campbell on Monday afternoon at the site.

Campbell explained the problem started because the roof was not secured when it was made to connect the two buildings.

"We had to make up for the height difference between the two buildings," he said.

"We're rectifying that so we won't have condensation up there any more."

Last year, the damage seeped into the facility, where water damaged the ceiling tiles and drywall.

Pictures of the ice damage were submitted to the Inuvik Drum by the mayor's office. Photos showed a large buildup of ice in the roof of the family centre.

In the past two weeks, said Campbell, the crew has installed new insulation and new reinforcing beams above the ceiling. Suprema brand roofing was used in the repairs, the director explained.

"We have a representative who is certified to install it. He's up there right now," he said.

Because the person installing the roof is certified, Campbell said the town now has a platinum warranty on the roof. "It's the best warranty you can have," he said.

There is also an empty space in between the roof and ceiling of the family centre. Campbell said the space is now being heated to prevent any cold air from gathering in the area.

Campbell said he hopes the work is done by the end of the month.

Mayor Derek Lindsay said the repairs are much needed and will save the town headaches this winter season.

"We need to get that roof fixed once and for all," said Lindsay.

The firm contracted for the work is based in Hay River.

The mayor said the contract was put out locally, with one local firm placing its bid.

Unfortunately, the local business did not have a certified roofer, which was needed for the job.

"For the warranty to work, we needed a certified roof repairman for the job," said Lindsay.

The total cost of the project is $234,700. In the end, Lindsay said the money spent on the roof will be worth every penny.

"When we're spending this kind of money, we want it done right," he said.