Lisa Scott
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 06/03) - The summer is droning on, and so is the blasting of granite at construction sites around town. One concerned group of citizens is trying desperately to save the rocks.

Ecology North, a local conservation group, hit the streets recently to collect signatures for their "Save the Rocks" campaign. They set up outside the post office during lunchtime.

With the city plan currently under review, they want to know how rock outcrops, green spaces, and trail systems will survive residential and commercial development.

"We want to shake up city planning", says Doug Ritchie, a board member of Ecology North.

The group has offered to sit down with the city to draft a plan to save rocks and green spaces for the future.

In front of the post office, Ritchie corrals Wayne Overbo off the street to talk about the issues under the blazing lunchtime sun. He outlines the components of the campaign to his eager listener.

Ecology North wants the city to incorporate Yellowknife's natural geography into the ongoing development, according to Ritchie.

Creating trails for people to bike and walk to work would encourage alternative transportation.

They want new buildings, residential and commercial, to maximize energy efficiency and try alternative energy.

Ritchie suggests an incentive program for builders and homeowners.

Ritchie cites the granite outcrop in front of the hospital, and Twin Pine Hill as unique rock features that have already been slated for development.

"There is a lot of unplanned growth going on right now", says Ritchie.

Local resident Wayne Overbo has a special connection to the rocks of the city. His father is geologist Ed Overbo, who embedded the minerals in Franklin Street that allows the city to brag that the streets are paved with gold.

"Yellowknife is the rocks", he says with anger evident in his voice.

"That's why this town was formed." Overbo was convinced enough to add his name to the 100-plus signatures for the campaign, and became a member of Ecology North at the same time.

Mayor Gordon Van Tighem hasn't had the time to pick up his "Save the Rocks" t-shirt, but he wants one.

"I think it's great", he says. "They (Ecology North) are saying the same things we've been saying all along."

According to Van Tighem, Ecology North has been invited to consult on city plans.

"I intend to work with the director (of Ecology North) to see if there is something we can do", he says.

Ecology North will run their campaign right up to the municipal election in October.