Yellowknife, N.W.T. - After more than a year and a half of talk, the town of Hay River is finally ready to start construction on its new fire hall.

Construction is expected to begin later this month, possibly as early as next week, and it should be finished by next spring.

The town's director of Public Works and Planning, Keith Morrison, said the contractors will be working long hours to meet that date.

"In order to make sure this project is completed as quickly as possible, the contractor has the opportunity to work seven ays per week, and as per the noise bylaw he can work from 7 am to 11 pm."

The new fire hall is being built adjacent to the current fire hall, so Morrison said that means the two properties will have to work together.

"The existing fire hall will be kept intact and will remain operational throughout the construction of the new fire hall. It's of course going to create some coordination issues to make sure that the fire trucks can come and go immediately when required."

The current fire hall is expected to be demolished after the new one is completed, in order to make room for a new Town Hall.

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