Yellowknife (July 04/03) - Despite protests from 120 Kam Lake residents, one more dog kennel has been approved for the industrial area.

The development appeal board voted June 25 to uphold a permit issued to John and Lauri Evanitski's mushing business.

Lisa Empson has lived in the Kam Lake area for seven years and said she suffers from the noise and stench of existing kennels.

She presented 120 signatures from concerned citizens opposed to the kennel moving into 108 Talthelie Drive.

Complaints of animal feces, excessive noise and roadway dangers were some of the issues Empson brought forward.

She wants "to see an agricultural section set aside for dog kennels outside of industrial and residential areas." She said "everyone wants the same thing, it's the only place they (the Evanitski's) have to go."

Five others addressed the appeal board against the kennel, including local businessman Lauren McKiel. McKiel's business leases Kam Lake properties to retail and commercial businesses.

He said dog noise is detrimental to the tenants and resale value of the properties.

John Evanitski said "if they opened up an area for mushers, we would be more than happy to move there."

The board said the permit was issued because the Evanitski application met all requirements for the industrial area.