Inuvik sues architect over Midnight Sun Rec Complex problems

The town of Inuvik, N.W.T., is suing a Yellowknife architect for what it says are major flaws in the design of an addition to the town's recreation complex.

Guy Architects says it's the town's fault there are flaws and has launched a countersuit for payment itsays itnever received.

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The town of Inuvik hired architect Wayne Guy to design an addition to the Midnight Sun Recreation Centre in 2002. It wanted to add an indoor pool and family centre.

The town says the drawings Guy gave them didn't give correct measurements for the addition's roof. Construction was already underwaywhen the contractor realized the roof was too high anddidn't match up with the existing building. The town says it had to spend almost $2 million to fix the problem.

It also says the materials Guy told itto use for the additiondon't properly repel snow or rain, so moisture has gotten inside the building and caused damage to the walls and insulation.

In court documents, the town says it expected Guy to "use such reasonable skill and care in providing the services, as might be expected of a reasonably competent professional."

Guy denies making any errors in measurements. He sayseven if he did, it's the construction contractor's job to make sure all measurements are correct.

Guy says he advised against using the materials the town is having problems with, but the town chose to use them anyway. He's now counter-suing the town, sayingit still owes him money for the work. With interest, those fees now total more than $100,000.

If the twosides are unable tocome to an agreement on who should pay for what, they'll go to court early next year.