Yellowknife (June 18/03) - Latham Island residents are accusing city hall administrators of manipulation.

Comments gathered during a consultation regarding the waterfront development project on May 7 were attached to Monday's municipal services committee agenda for council members to acknowledge.

Sarah Kelleher, a Latham Island resident, says the city altered consultation comments. - Cheryl Robinson/NNSL photo

But several Latham Islanders attending the committee meeting pointed out their consultation comments had been altered or not included in the report, which according to the agenda was supposed to be a word for word account.

"This is not a consultation process," said Sarah Kelleher, a frustrated Latham Island resident.

Around 20 Latham Islanders attended the committee meeting to voice their concerns over the proposed waterfront development. The development plans include the construction of two small parks attached by a walkway behind the Watt Drive and Morrison Drive areas.

Councillors expressed concern with the feelings of misrepresentation and urged administration to combine the actual comments and bring them before the next council meeting on June 24.

Grant White, director of community services, said the comments were condensed, which was why some were missing or altered.

But several council members said they already heard these comments in one form or another.

"It may appear we only got part of the opinion, but in truth many of them were sent to us personally," said Coun. David McCann.

Land not all city owned

The Latham Island group further blasted city administration during the committee meeting, pointing out several of the development areas are on Commissioner's land and are not city owned.

Penny Johnson informed the committee that after conducting her own research through the Justice Land Titles offices, she discovered parts of the proposed waterfront construction areas are commissioner owned.

"I suggest you settle your legal matters before you begin to construct anything," said Johnson. "Why are we even here when you don't own the property?"

Max Hall, city administrator, said he agreed the land ownership issue needs to be addressed.

Hall indicated the city can build on Commissioner's land, as it has done several times in the past.

Coun. Alan Woytuik pointed out the lots leased from the city by home owners for dock space are city owned and are the main areas the walking trail would encompass.

Council speaks

Although the waterfront matter will be brought before council on June 24 for first reading, council members voiced their opinions during the meeting.

"I think it is a colossal waste of money to put a boardwalk in a swamp," said Coun. Dave Ramsay.

Ramsay agreed with Latham Island resident Jonny Covello, who raised the issue of the marshy soil the walkway would be built on and the dense mosquito population users would have to endure.

Ramsay suggested only constructing the parks and then later deciding if the walkways should be built.

But several other council members maintained their support of the complete walking trail system.

Council is urging anyone who wishes to speak in favour or opposition to the waterfront project to contact the city clerk's office before Thursday and prepare a presentation for the June 24 council meeting.