Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to congratulate the City of Yellowknife Council, which approved the plans and awarded a construction contract for the fieldhouse indoor recreational complex. After six long years of planning and deliberations, Clark Builders Construction and Ferguson, Simek, Clark will begin construction later this year. The project will employ 50 workers and is scheduled to be completed by August of next year.

The new facility will be located in the Kam Lake riding next to the Multiplex. This is a $17 million facility that will include two full-sized indoor soccer fields, a three-lane running track, and children’s playing area. I’ve spoken about the need for our residents to get more physically active. A facility like the new fieldhouse will give residents and visitors another excellent venue to be physically active.

The current demand for recreational space in the city exceeds capacity by 30 percent. This will be a much needed addition to the city’s recreational facilities.

I’d like to acknowledge the hardworking members of the Fieldhouse Development Committee, who worked tirelessly to prepare the final recommendation for city council. Those are: Councillor Bob Brooks, the chair; Mark Aitken, the vice-chair; Mayor Gordon Van Tighem, John Carr, Ryan Fequet, Craig Hockridge, Mike Roesch, Terry Brookes, Judy McLinton, and from the city administration, Mr. Max Hall, Carl Bird, and Grant White and also, Mr. Speaker, the rest of Yellowknife City Council. I know that Yellowknife families and their children and many Northerners from outside of Yellowknife will benefit for many years to come in partaking in exciting games and sports that will take place at this new facility.

Once again, congratulations to Yellowknife City Council and residents who have this great new facility. It is an exciting project. I wish you all the best with the construction, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.