Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 19/01) - The Yellowknife Canada Post outlet will keep its extended hours until the end of the week as it braces for the final holiday rush.

David Craig, Canada Post area manager, said the lone outlet on Franklin Ave. continues to deal with a steady stream of Yellowknifers.

"It's been fairly busy," said Craig.

He said many last-minute customers are sending packages via Express Post.

Hours were extended from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. after Canada Post met heavy criticism for allowing three retail postal outlets to close on Nov. 30 without any plans to handle the extra mail Christmas brings.

It left the downtown outlet handling the holiday mail of 18,000 people.

Some people stood in lines that snaked out the door for almost an hour.

Craig said negotiations that would have resulted in two new retail outlets open for the holiday rush faltered.

"We're hoping this doesn't happen again," said Craig.

New store fronts are expected to open sometime in January at the Co-op and Shopper's Drug Mart.

"(We're) just finalizing (negotiations) now," said Craig. He said he couldn't guarantee Canada Post wouldn't find itself in the same situation again.

"The leases may run out in November (again). It will depend on the businesses," said Craig.

The extended hours end Friday. People waiting for packages should note that Canada Post closes at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24