Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 10/05) - Confusion reigns over development of a $25 million resort on Twin Pine Hill.

A sale agreement between the city and aboriginal-owned Yellowknife River Resorts was completed two years ago, but work to build a $25 million hotel on top of the hill has yet to begin.

This make-shift boardwalk over a rocky chasm is the only thing that has any resemblance to plans to build a walking trail around Twin Pine Hill. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

Ndilo Chief Fred Sangris says City Hall is partly to blame while Mayor Gord Van Tighem says the company is free to move ahead whenever it pleases.

Sangris said the city is holding up transfer of the land.

"They're kind of hanging onto it," said Sangris. "That's why we pulled out of the Sand Pits. We walked right into a trap. It's not the only reason, but it's pretty close."

The Yellowknives Dene, which includes Ndilo residents, had intended to build a $60 million residential development of the Sand Pits near the airport, but suddenly pulled out, telling the city they were no longer interested in it.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said he doesn't know what the chief is talking about.

"As far as I know they were going to start working on the (access) road this year," said Van Tighem.

"They own the land. The only thing we're doing right now is redoing (the boundaries.)"

The only sign that any project is underway on Twin Pine Hill is a number of red survey flags scattered among the outcrops.

Sangris said the resort plan is also having problems with investors.

"One partner pulled because they didn't have investment dollars," said Sangris.

"But if another partner comes aboard it's all a go."

Van Tighem said he expects a resort will be built some day, including walking trails, marked vantage points, and perhaps even a convention centre.

He said there are eight years left out of ten-year agreement between the City and Yellowknife River Resorts in which time the hotel is to be built.

For the time being, Twin Pine Hill remains the domain of squatters. A cluster of make-shift tents has been erected on the hill's north side, among piles of garbage and broken glass.

"When the time is right (the resort) will be built," said Van Tighem. "Within our lifetimes."