Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the Cambridge Bay arena complex was completed in 1986, with GNWT funding of approximately $600,000 and a hamlet contribution of $400,000. The project involved renovation to an existing steel-frame structure, which was started by a community initiative in the late 1970s, but never completed.
Unfortunately, the design of the existing structure did not allow for the construction of a full-sized ice surface. The municipal council, in 1985, of which I was a member, made the decision to accept the smaller ice surface and to contribute a sizeable financial investment in order to finish off the arena complex.
Madam Speaker, like most recreational facilities in the north, this arena complex has been extensively used since its establishment. The main activities are minor and senior hockey, public and figure skating, curling and private rentals. Unfortunately, over the years, the extensive use has deteriorated the building. A few years ago, the council and MACA recognized the need to upgrade the arena complex and budgeted $300,000 for the upgrade.
This past spring, hockey players and other facility users approached me requesting that the ice surface be expanded to a regular size. In conjunction with the hamlet council, we put forward a request to MACA on the need for a larger ice surface, recognizing the growing demands of the community. Madam Speaker, I'm happy to report that MACA has responded positively to this issue by reprofiling the project to include an ice surface expansion and by increasing the budgeted financial forecast to $750,000 to carry out the work in 1996.
On behalf of my constituents, I wish to thank the former Minister, Mr. Arngna'naaq, the current Minister, Ms. Mike, and the departmental officials of MACA for their assistance in addressing this issue. Thank you.
---Applause