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INUVIK - The chair of the Inuvik Youth Centre board says there will be pros and cons to moving the Inuvik Youth Centre away from Mackenzie Road but the board is supporting the move.

The youth centre will be moving to the Inuvik Works building - next to the Midnight Sun Recreation complex - from its current location on Mackenzie Road.

Teresa Winter, left, and Nancy McInnis stand in the Inuvik Youth Centre's kitchen. The two have been assured that all of the current youth centre improvements such as the kitchen and recording studio will be recreated in the new location. - Brodie Thomas/NNSL photo

"It's something that has always been discussed and the concerns that were raised this fall with increased vandalism in the downtown area brought it to a head," said Inuvik Senior Administrative Officer Sara Brown.

Under the planned move the Inuvik Works offices and classrooms will remain on Berger Street but the shop will be moved to the town's cold storage building. The youth centre would then move into the old Inuvik Works shop located next to the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex.

Chair Nancy McInnis said she first heard about the planned move in October. The youth centre board was informed of the decision during a meeting with Mayor Derek Lindsay. Town council has now officially announced plans to go ahead with the move, which will take place sometime in 2009.

Both McInnis and the youth centre's co-ordinator Teresa Winter said the new building will be a better location overall.

"I think I have a lot of mixed feeling about it," said Winter.

She said the proximity to the pool and the ski trail will allow for easier access when they are hosting programs with the youth. The building's well-lit and open perimeter will also make it safer and less prone to vandalism.

Both McInnis and Winter said moving the youth centre won't make youth problems disappear on Mackenzie Road.

"I have concern about the high-risk youth that seem to be the impetus for moving," said McInnis.

She said the main reason for the move is to get the youth away from bad influences on the main drag. She worries that those most at risk will continue to hang out on Mackenzie Road rather than walking to the youth centre.

"We see ourselves as a part of the solution so I really hope we'll still be able to help the high-risk youth," said McInnis.

Winter said she is disappointed that the move comes after the youth put more than $20,000 in renovations into the building over the past year. The new multimedia studio has just opened.

She said it is not a huge concern because Lindsay has told her the youth will have a say in floor plan of the new centre. The building will undergo minor renovations to meet the needs of the youth.

Brown said the current youth centre will probably be demolished once it is vacated.

"At this time the recommendation says we would look at disposal," she said.