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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Council members expressed unanimous support during a Monday committee meeting over renaming the Frame Lake Trail after former Yellowknife Mayor Pat McMahon, who died this summer.

There is only one thing left to decide: how to word the new trail name.

Pat McMahon

City administration put forth "McMahon Trail" but many councillors supported another option, "McMahon Frame Lake Trail."

In September, councillors also voted to name a new road in Niven Lake after McMahon.

McMahon, who was mayor from 1987-1994, was instrumental in the creation of the Frame Lake Trail, which runs past her family home on Dakota Court.

"I think recognition of her efforts there is important," said city councillor Lydia Bardak.

When councillors asked when the trail name would be officially changed, administration said web changes would go up immediately, new signs would likely be put up in the spring of 2009 and current pamphlets would be used until they run out.

"Does that mean the name isn't going to change until we run out of pamphlets?" quipped Coun. Shelagh Montgomery.

Councillors will vote on the official name and other details at next Monday's council meeting.

Fieldhouse development not dead

Council members were presented with the fieldhouse development committee minutes during Monday's municipal services committee meeting.

Committee chair Bob Brooks, who has been a longtime supporter of the multi-million dollar sports facility, left the council committee meeting early and councillors were unable to ask him questions.

Council did hear, however, that there were some concerns from committee members that the $16 million budgeted for the project is too low. So far $5 million is budgeted for 2009 and $11 million for 2010.

"That's still a lot of money that could be used for something else," said Coun. Paul Falvo.

A request for proposals for the fieldhouse was scheduled to go out by the end of November; construction is set to being in mid-2009.

"Obviously (the request for proposals) didn't," said Mayor Gord Van Tighem.

Councillors will discuss the fieldhouse funding during upcoming budget discussions.

Murals planned for Wildcat

The Wildcat Cafe may get some sprucing up next year.

Committee heard suggestions from the heritage committee to paint the wooden boards that cover windows during the off-season so the building doesn't look derelict.

"It's a good idea," said Coun. Paul Falvo.

The Wildcat Cafe is one of nine heritage sites in Yellowknife.

The restaurant was built in 1937 by Willie Wiley and Smokey Stout.