Inuvik (July 02/04) - Mayor Peter Clarkson is calling the decision to base the territory's pipeline office in Hay River, rather than Inuvik, purely political.

"Obviously it comes down to Hay River getting something," he said from his office Monday. "Certainly, I was disappointed that Inuvik wasn't selected. (The decision) didn't seem to make sense and I expressed that concern with the territorial government."

Clarkson felt that Inuvik's proximity to the planned pipeline's drilling sites and the fact that Inuvik will be one of the most affected communities from the development warranted the GNWT office.

The decision was based on recommendations made to the Joint Cabinet/Standing Committee on Accountability and by the Oversight Pipeline Planning Committee.

According to Premier Joe Handley, the availability of staff and housing in Hay River played a factor in the decision.

Despite dissatisfaction expressed by Clarkson and Fort Simpson's mayor, who also thought his community should have the office, the decision likely won't be reversed.

"We don't want to quarrel with the committee over it," said Handley.

Deputy Minister of Resources Wildlife and Economic Development Peter Vician says the purpose of the office does not require it to be near the pipeline.

"The mandate of the office is one of co-ordination and planning for the proposed pipeline project," he said.

-- with files from Mike W. Bryant and Daniel T'seleie