Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 04/99) - A parcel of undeveloped land at the main downtown intersection of Yellowknife is being turned into a parking lot.

The owner of the property, Yellowknife businessman Jack Walker, has for now, waved goodbye to the idea of building a conference centre on the Franklin Avenue and 50th Street property.

"I wish I could announce I am going ahead with the conference facility," Walker said. "I've been a proponent of a large conference facility (but) it hasn't happened," he said.

"I'm going to pave it for downtown parking in the interim," he said.

Walker said the landscaping plans for the property have not yet been finalized, but it will include greenery around the perimeter.

Siding will also be put over the bare wall of Centre Square Mall facing 50th Street.

The lot was the original location of the Yellowknife Inn. That building was torn down in 1992.

Walker said he has been unable to secure the needed financial backing to get the project completed.

The parking lot will be a pay and display operation. Walker adds he has not given up on the conference centre concept.