Yellowknife (Mar 03/04) - The last poker derby organized by Pilote Point Lodge may be a week away.

Pilote Point owners Colleen Chartrand and Serge Pilote have decided to put the lodge up for sale.

The poker derby, scheduled for March 13, also being sponsored by Force One, will take place, said Pilote.

The owners said the decision to sell is more personal than business in nature.

"We want to be closer to our family, our children and grandchildren," said Chartrand.

"We have a few people who are interested (in buying the lodge)."

Chartrand and Pilote have lived in Yellowknife since 1992 and have run the lodge, located about 50 km northeast of Yellowknife, since 1995.

"The tourism industry is good overall. Sometimes we get frustrated with the government and their silly rules," said Chartrand.

Pilote adds he and Chartrand have worked hard to bring the lodge into better condition over the last few years.

"We've got it back in good shape," he said.

Pilote is asking $700,000 for the lodge. He will keep running it until a buyer comes along.