Yellowknife (May 31/06) - Dillon Consulting presented the city's most recent plans for a stretch of shoreline just outside the city last Wednesday evening.

The plan for the old Giant Mine townsite was based on recommendations that members of the community made last fall.

More than 20 people attended the meeting held at the Multiplex.

Project manager Nalini Naidoo presented what she called the "dreams" of Yellowknife residents for the site.

But Yellowknife residents questioned Dillon's plans to dissect the land into four sections - one along the north end for residential development; a second for the NWT Mining Heritage Society; a third where the current Great Slave Cruising Club exists; and a fourth for commercial development.

Residents wondered whether everything shown in the concept plans would fit into the 0.19km parcel of land.

"I think what they've got here is a good idea, but it doesn't look like there's enough space," said resident Pattie Beales.

Other residents wanted to make sure the consulting firm knew about contamination levels in the ground.

"There have been soil samples and studies based on the concentration (of arsenic)," said environmental consultant Wayne Bryant and representative from the NWT Mining Heritage Society.

He said the contamination levels in the ground meet the NWT guidelines and are safe for Yellowknife citizens to be around.

"What's the problem here?" said Bryant.

One resident asked that the site be designated as a geo-park - a park recognized by the United Nations and the world as having unique geology.

"It's a system for international tourists," said geologist Diane Baldwin.

Some residents at the meeting weren't enthused at all about the possibility of developing land they believe is ready for use now.

"We should turn the place into something we're seriously lacking - a recreational RV campground," said Daniel Halldorson.

The three main ideas governing the plan - based on

residents participating in town meetings, surveys and interviews with interested parties - were accessibility to the public, continued development of the existing marina and museum, protecting its unique environment and using long-term planning tools.

Because this is only a first draft of plans for the site, the type of residential development or commercial facilities on the site could not be discussed, said Naidoo.

Development of the residential section would not begin until 2019, she said, due to the general plans that the city reviewed in 2004.

Around 22 buildings still exist on the site.

The plan containing the four sections has already been presented to city council.

Commentary and additional suggestions from residents were collected at the meeting and will be added to an updated report scheduled to be presented to city council in the summer.

The Giant Mine waterfront and townsite is being leased to the city by the territorial government, which runs out in 2030.