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City turns down escort service

Residents relieved

Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 05/01) - The City of Yellowknife's development appeal board reversed a decision to allow Angie Fehr, a 61-year-old woman from Thunder Bay, to set up an escort service on 51st Street.

NNSL Photo

Angie Fehr already runs an escort service in Thunder Bay, Ont. - Jennifer McPhee/NNSL photo

The board released its decision late Tuesday afternoon following an appeal hearing Monday evening.

About 20 people, including residents and representatives from women's groups, expressed fear that an escort service would increase substance abuse problems in the community, spread sexually transmitted diseases and set a dangerous precedent.

Several residents expressed concern for the safety of their children.

The board stopped Fehr's business on a technicality. According to the development permit application, a home-business owner must reside on the property.

To date, Fehr does not live on the site.

"I'm glad we won," said Rene Bauhaus, whose wife runs a daycare across the street from the site. "But we didnt win for the reasons we were appealing."

Bauhaus said Fehr could move onto the property and apply again.

"I don't want to take that chance," he said.

He plans to lobby city councillors to create a bylaw which prohibits escort services in Yellowknife.

Fehr already runs one escort service in Thunder Bay.

She said the women she employs do not sell sex. "I sell companionship," she said.

Fehr said she doesn't know if her employees have sex with clients. Its none of my business, she said.

Even before the board made a decision, Fehr said she will find another spot for her business.

"Obviously, they dont want me here," she said. "But I do run a clean business."

Fehr checked out of her hotel room Tuesday afternoon. She could not be reached for comment after the board released its decision.