Fort Good Hope (July 07/03) - The $2.9 million Yamoga Land Corp. complex in Fort Good Hope will officially open in August, but people are already moving into the much needed office space.

"This is a positive thing for the whole community," said Robert Kelly, president of the Yamoga Land Corp.

"With it's bold design and central location, the building will be a catalyst for community growth and development."

The 900 square metre eagle-shaped complex overlooks the Mackenzie River and features sculptural skylights on each wing and a cone-shaped skylight in the boardroom.

The main entry reveals a large lobby, which will serve as an informal gathering space in the community.

"We wanted something different, something more original than the standard 'box' you find in many communities," said Isidore Manuel, Yamoga Land Corp. programs manager.

The complex was designed three years ago by Yellowknife architect Wayne Guy of Guy Architects, after the community identified their critical need for office space.

"The building borrows from the rich cultural and historic traditions of Fort Good Hope and is inspired by the tee-pee, smoke houses and bold forms of the ramparts of the Mackenzie River," said Guy.

The complex has a state-of-the-art networking system which provides a high speed computer network, Internet access and a telecommunications system.

The Yamoga Land Corp. will only be using a third of the building. The rest will be leased to outside organizations like the Government of the Northwest Territories.