by Jeff Colbourne
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 14/97) - Winter's late arrival is a welcome treat for most Yellowknifers, but for many businesses it means lost or delayed business.

"It's quite a bit slower this time of the year," said Garth Eggenberger, owner of Age Automotive.

"We're not as busy as we probably could be."

October was cold and then turned warm, giving motorists enough time to winterize their vehicles before winter hits.

Because of this Eggenberger has had fewer tow jobs due to stalls or accidents.

"Business is down about 15 to 20 per cent," he said. "We're not complaining. We'll get em' sooner or later."

Weaver and Devore, a major winter clothing retailer in the city, said business has been standard.

"I think sales are pretty normal," said Ken Weaver. "The cold weather is coming and people are gearing up despite the current fall temperatures."

The NWT Power Corporation said it is using less power to supply the city because of the warmer temperatures.

"Our peak load is noticeably down," said Dan Roberts, director of central operation on Wednesday.

Roberts said if temperatures were around the -20 C degree mark, their peak load in megawatts would be between 40 and 43.

On Tuesday, with temperatures just below freezing, the Power Corp's peak load was only 37 to 38 megawatts.

The highest peak during winter, around 45 megawatts, typically occurs around Christmas when the mercury really drops and people switch on the Christmas lights.

Tim Goos, a climatologist with Environment Canada, said we can't count on the "above normal" temperatures to stick around, but considering this is an El Nino winter, we can expect warmer weather followed by "the dreadful cold snaps."

Goos said temperatures have not been record-breaking despite what it feels like outside.

The record temperature for Nov. 11 was set in 1976 with 2 C. This past Wednesday's temperature was -7 C.

"It's not that much above normal," he said. It feels warmer because it's dryer than normal. There's little snow, he added.

According to Environment Canada, temperatures are expected to stay above normal for the remainder of the month.

A forecast for December as yet to be released but will be available at the end of November.