by Derek Neary
Northern News Services

NNSL (Mar 13/98) - Whether or not the site of the new arena complex is a blessing or a curse depends on whom you ask.

The McDonald's restaurant just across Old Airport Road from the current site of the NWT Liquor warehouse, openly advocated the Byrne Road site. For weeks they had posted a message reading "Look left for best new arena site."

"Obviously, we're looking forward to it," says McDonald's manager Adrian Lacey. "We think that we'll benefit from it but we also think the community as a whole will benefit from it. It makes sense."

He says the adequate parking lot, the proximity to a residential area and the reduced cost are all favorable elements.

Corrie Bernard, manager of Reddi Mart Village, also located on Byrne Road, expects his volume of customers to increase as well.

On the other hand, Ron Gibeault, owner of Ron's Auto Service and Equipment Rentals on the corner of Woolgar Avenue and Byrne Road, is quite apprehensive.

While not opposed to the arena, he says he's expecting to now have need for a security fence.

"People will be cutting through, stopping on the way, and picking anything up as they walk by," he says. "Any business that doesn't (build a fence) is going to get some vandalism happening."

Gibeault also has concerns about increased property taxes, perhaps not immediately, but within the next two years.

Allen Hartman, who lives in a home across the street for the site, says the arena will probably be well received by parents in the neighborhood with hockey-playing children.

"I don't think there will be a detrimental impact on the neighborhood," he says.

Kathy Green, also across the street, says the development of the lot won't be aesthetically pleasing.

"I don't want to live across the street from a big asphalt parking lot," she says, adding that the trees, birds and kids playing ball will likely be a thing of the past. "I like it as a green space."

Kathy Lovatt, whose driveway practically intersects with the arena's entrance, expressed concerns about the increased traffic. "We're not very happy about it," she says.

More traffic is expected but the impact should be minimal, according to city department of public works engineer Steve MacRae.

At the peak hour, estimated to be between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., it's projected that 50 vehicles will enter and exit the arena, according to MacRae.

"The volumes are relatively low. To put it into context ... that's less than one (vehicle) per minute," MacRae says. "However, once the thing is in operation, you take a look and if something is needed, then you do it."

If anything, a flashing green arrow for left-hand turns will be required at the corner of Old Airport Road and Byrne Road, he says.