Delays and safety issue plague new rec centre in Hay River, N.W.T.

It was originally set to open last October, but now residents from Hay River, N.W.T., will have to wait until at least mid-February to use their new recreation centrejust weeks away fromthe Arctic Winter Games scheduled in March.

According to a Town of Hay River news release, contractor Clark Builders will handover the facility to the town at the end of the month, but will do finishing work for about another two weeks after that.

But the N.W.T. fire marshal's office doesn't believe the design of the lobby's main stairwell allows for safe evacuation in case of fire.

Hay RiverMayor Brad Mapes said he doesn't want the public using an unsafe building. That said, he's not sure what the problem is.

"We feel that the Office of the Fire Marshal maybe needs to reconsider a lot of these options that have been put forward from our contractor," said Mapes, adding its design isn't "much different from several other examples [the contractor] put forth to the fire marshal's office."

Mapes explained the stairwell issue could lead to renovations to the brand new facility, such as construction of an additional wallfitted with fire-rated glass.

When the town opted to build a new recreational centre over renovating the old one in June, Mapestold CBCa new centre would help avoid unforeseen problems that could come with renovations.

• Hay River recreation centre to be rebuilt, not renovated

N.W.T. fire marshal ChuckerDewar didn'tcomment on the specifics of his office's concerns about the stairwell, but said staff from his office are working with the contractor and town officials to come to a resolution.

Dale Johnson, Clark Builders' project manager for the recreation centre, redirected CBC to the Town of Hay River when asked for comment on the stairwell issue.

According to Mapes, the contractor and fire marshal have been discussing the stairwell design for "several months" and consultations had been ongoing throughout construction.

Town banks on interim solution

In the meantime, Hay River officials hope to appease the fire marshal's office by implementing a Fire Watch Program. To do this, the town would assign rec centre staff to watch for fires and help with evacuations in case of emergency. Dewar said his office is assessing this proposal.

Hay River Senior Administrative Officer Judy Goucher said staff already on site would be able to perform these duties.

"For [the Arctic Winter Games] we were already planning on security," she said. "And for day to day we already have those people working for us so we aren't seeing a significant amount of incremental costs at this point in time."

CBCpreviously reported the new recreational centre will cost the Town of Hay River $21.3 million.

The Arctic Winter Games run from March 18 to 24. Neither Mapes nor Goucher believe the delays will affect the event.

Are the rec centre delays affecting you or your family? Contact randi.beers@cbc.ca

• With no arena, Hay River hockey goes old school this winter
• Arctic Winter Games call for unpaid northern performers is 'old school thinking,' say annoyed artists
• AWG apologizes, promises 'financial compensation' for northern performers after backlash
• Doronn Fox, Dene Games competitor, explains the history of hand games