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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The Canada Post building on Franklin Avenue has been sold, but the future of the building remains a mystery.

The sale was confirmed by the federal Department of Public Works on April 29.

Locals gather in front of the post office building on Franklin Avenue Thursday. The popular meeting spot may be in jeopardy now that the building has been sold. - Cara Loverock/NNSL photo

The building has been purchased by the Dene-held firm Denendeh Investments in partnership with Yellowknife developer Homes North Ltd.

A spokesperson for Public Works said the sale was finalized as of Friday, April 24 at a price of $1,105,000.

"I have no comment at this time," said Homes North president Les Rocher when contacted by Yellowknifer. Rocher directed inquiries to Denendeh Investments, who did not return calls for comment by press time.

City councillor Paul Falvo said he hopes the building remains a post office.

"I value the space as a public space," said Falvo. He said the area in front of the building often acts as a sort of public square for gatherings or events like the Ecology North fish fry.

Falvo also questioned why the federal government is acquiring new space in the downtown area, but did not utilize the Franklin Avenue building.

"Why on one hand dispose of space and the other hand acquire it?" he said.

Falvo added he liked having the post office in the downtown location, an issue for many Yellowknifers that have expressed concern about whether or not the post office will move.

In an e-mail from Public Works spokesperson Jeanette Dotimas, she wrote, "As a condition of the sale, the purchasers were required to renew the lease that (Public Works) entered into with Canada Post before the building was sold. The term of this lease expires December 31, 2011."

The e-mail also stated any further details of long-term plans for the building need to be addressed by the new owners.