Yellowknife (June 27/03) - About 60 people went home happy late Tuesday after the mayor cast his deciding vote to reject a plan to build a 150-metre boardwalk along the west shore of Latham Island.

Waterfront work 2003 construction: Willow Flats/Woodyard Park area: $176,000: A proposed park extending on Great Slave Lake shoreline up to and including the wetland and shoreline of the Woodyard area. Latham Island Park/Watt Drive area: $64,000: Waterfront parks on the ends of Otto and Lessard drives. The parks will include launching areas for small watercraft, public docks and parking stalls. 2004 construction: Negus Point park, Old Town shoreline viewpoint, Willow Flats/Woodyard Park phase 2, Tin Can Hill trail system, Tin Can Hill viewpoint, McDonald/McMeekan observation point, Franklin Avenue walkway and Latham Island Park/Watt Drive area phase 2. Total budget: $340,550.

During a marathon council meeting that went until midnight, Mayor Gordon Van Tighem broke the tie of a torn council.

Two tiny parks proposed for the ends of Otto and Lessard drives will be constructed this year. The city's original plan called for them to be connected by a boardwalk.

"I live in the area and the problem I see is with parking," said Van Tighem, as he cast his tie-breaking vote. "I have no problem with the node parks, but I don't want to see the boardwalk just yet."

The rest of the mayor's speech couldn't be heard through the roaring applause of about 60 people who attended the meeting, some wearing "No to Latham Island West boardwalk, yes to waterfront access," signs on their shirts.

After hearing 10 presentations regarding the waterfront project, none of which were in favour, council finally voted at 11 p.m.

The public appeals appeared to sway two votes.

"I don't buy a lot of the arguments that have been thrown out here," said Coun. Alan Woytuik. "The one argument that stands in my mind is the litter issue."

Woytuik said the city would not be able to control the amount of garbage the boardwalk would attract.

Coun. David McCann, known to be in favour of the boardwalk for tourism purposes, also changed his mind.

"I have a strong belief that we should build our industry and we've got to start somewhere.

"I am discouraged by the average stay of our tourists," said McCann who reflected on the issue during a 10-minute break.

"But ultimately I don't think we've done our homework on this enough to move forward. We as a council, as an administration have not sold our vision."

Also voting against the boardwalk were councillors Robert Hawkins and Dave Ramsay.

In favour of building the boardwalk were councillors Wendy Bisaro, Kevin O'Reilly and Blake Lyons.

"I do think that council has listened to what the people have said, but we just disagree," said Coun. Kevin O'Reilly.

McDonald served notice that he will ask council to review the entire Water Front Management Plan.

McDonald said that since this boardwalk is not going to be installed, the entire plan is in jeopardy.