by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 28/97) - The alternative lifestyle long associated with Yellowknife's Woodyard will slide a little further into the past this summer.

Plans are under way to demolish at least one building in the area as part of a land exchange between the city and the Rocher family.

Mayor Dave Lovell said the demolition of a shack on Ragged Ass Road is part of a deal struck to make the road city property.

Up until the exchange, the city owned half the road and the Rochers, the other half.

"They gave us a chunk of property in the middle, and the deal was that property (on the west side of the road) would be free of structures."

On Monday Lou Rocher said he has plans to demolish a shack, but added it was a private matter because the buildings were sitting on land owned by the family.

"Shack time is over," said Rocher.

Asked if the shack known as the Greenhouse was to be torn down, Rocher said "We're thinking about it."

According to Lovell, the Greenhouse is owned by the city. "We own it up, down and sideways," said Lovell, who explained the city bought it from its previous owner about six months ago.

Lovell said he was not aware of any plans to tear down the Greenhouse. Calls to director of planning and lands Bob McKinnon were not returned.

The city has also acquired the land beneath it, as part of a parcel that runs down to the lake. The shack sits in front of a large modern home owned by John and Roberta Rocher.

A year ago, the city rejected a plan to designate the Woodyard a heritage site. The plan was developed by the heritage committee.

At the time, the city presented a preliminary plan to turn the area into a waterfront park.

The park included two shacks, 10 parking spots and a boardwalk.

Last summer, in spite of a pleas for a delay from the Old Stope Association, the city tore down the Einar Broten garage, one of the oldest buildings in the area.

The abandoned building, the city said, was a safety hazard.

Mario Paris, a local artist and former resident of the Greenhouse, noted the end of the Woodyard began some time ago.

"As a historical area, the damage is pretty much done," said Paris. "If you want to look at the Woodyard today, you have to look at old photos -- the people are gone, the spirit is gone."