Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Progress has been made by the department and its client departments in the use of "standardized building" designs in facilities such as schools, hamlet offices and health centres. The committee supports this approach and encourages further applications in facilities such as group homes, treatment centres, tourist facilities and libraries. This method will result in significant
cost-savings and ensure consistent standards within communities.
Criticisms of architects "over-designing" facilities surfaced during our review, particularly in smaller settlements. Members request that the department seek simpler solutions that, while consistent with design standards, are more practical and easier to maintain in smaller communities.
In the town of Inuvik, buildings are being removed from the high temperature hot water system, operating through the utilidor. Detached houses have already been removed and row housing units are scheduled to come off next year. Recognizing that there are substantial cost-savings in this conversion from the high temperature hot water system to boilers, the committee would like assurance that Public Works and Services, the NWT Power Corporation and the client departments are coordinating their construction plans.