by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 03/97) - The city and Yellowknives Dene are talking, but it may be too late for those hoping for an immediate solution to the Twin Pine Hill impasse.

Yellowknives Ndilo Chief Darrell Beaulieu said he has met with members of city council and is in the process of developing a letter outlining what the band wants in return for giving up its claim to the hill.

The hill is the city's preferred site for a new $10.5-million twin-pad arena and community centre.

To buy the commissioner's land in question, however, the city needs either cabinet approval, which they are also seeking, or permission from the band, which has an outstanding land claim in the area.

The letter is key to moving ahead in the discussion, said Mayor Dave Lovell. "I won't call a meeting until I have a letter, something to discuss," he said.

The discussions stem from a meeting last week between Yellowknife MLAs and Ter Hamer, spokesman for city sports groups.

Last week Hamer said he was hoping the Yellowknives letter would reach city hall by Friday so a special meeting could be called Tuesday.

Beaulieu said he was unaware of such deadlines, but said the letter would be sent "as soon as possible."

That may be too late for those, such as Hamer, hoping for a 1997 start on construction.