by Mark Sproxton
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 09/97) - Dick Peplow will soon be an alderman no more.

On Monday, Peplow handed in his resignation effective April 18. He is returning to Ontario to work at a radio station in Sault St. Marie.

Peplow, in his first term as alderman, is the second alderman to leave Yellowknife city council since January.

It is not known if his position will be filled before this fall's civic election.

With less than a year to go before the next election, council can continue without filling the vacancy, said Mayor Dave Lovell.

"It's up in the air," he said. "It's a council decision."

John Dalton left his seat in January and was replaced by former alderman Bob Brooks.

Peplow, often the lone dissenting voice on council, said he expects to return to the city soon, however.

"With the secret meeting thing I'm anticipating coming back here to appear in court," Peplow said. "My own opinion is there is altogether too much secrecy."

The departing alderman has sided with the City of Yellowknife Property Owners Association in its legal battle with the city over the "secret meetings," the city says are used to keep council up to date and discuss confidential matters.

The association says the meetings violate open meeting requirements of territorial law.

Peplow has also taken stances against the Niven Lake development and the city's investigation into purchasing Northland (Yellowknife) Utilities Ltd.

"With Centre Square and Niven Lake, I see the utility issue as being a potential for disaster," Peplow said.