by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 10/97) - Despite continuing opposition, city hall still wants to build the new arena and community centre on Twin Pine Hill.

City council Monday night unanimously approved second reading of bylaws that will change the zoning of the hill to allow for the $10.5-million facility.

At a public hearing on the rezoning, opponents of the site said buildings on the hill go against the city's documented long-range plans.

At the start of the Monday's meeting, sports user groups representative Ter Hamer urged council to start the project at another location.

Hamer said he still believes Twin Pine Hill is the best site but is worried that negotiations between the city and the Yellowknives Dene could stall the project indefinitely.

The city requires the Yellowknives' consent to get ownership of the land.

"The letter in the paper will give people a good idea of how difficult it is to look forward to tomorrow when eyes are firmly fixed on the rear-view mirror," said Hamer.

He was referring to a letter from Ndilo chief Darrell Beaulieu detailing the Yellowknives' position in the negotiations for the site.

"If there is no feasible end in sight now, I think we should move on," said Hamer.

Ald. Trevor Kasteel said he was surprised at Hamer's impatience.

"Didn't you make a presentation earlier on saying we shouldn't rush to meet the Arctic Winter Games deadline, that we should do it right?" asked Kasteel.

"The need out there is now," replied Hamer. "If ever a town needed good news, this town does now."

Council remained optimistic a settlement could be reached soon.

"I believe the window of opportunity is still open for Twin Pine Hill," said Ald. Merlyn Williams, adding he had met with the Yellowknives Dene last Thursday.

"Negotiations with the Yellowknives Dene are going very well," added Ald. Bob Brooks.

The main stumbling blocks to negotiations is the Yellowknives' request for city support of the boundary they have developed for the unification of Ndilo and Dettah.