Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Hay River (Feb 11/02) - Hay River's highrise may be on the verge of being sold.

Mackenzie Place, the tallest building in the NWT, could have a new landlord after an environmental study wraps up, sources say.

Environmental engineers had been scheduled to examine the building last week.

It is not known who the new owner could be. Managers Randy Randle and Chrissy Lefebvre said last week they are not yet allowed to discuss the building's future.

Last October Randle said Mackenzie Place was put on the market for $2 million.

For the past 12 years the 17-storey building has been owned by Ontario-based Royal Property Management.

About 30 of 130 units are occupied.

Hay River residents have criticized the building's run-down state. One carpenter's estimate pegs the amount of renovations needed at $1 million.

Tenant April Barbeau said she's glad the building could soon change hands.

"I hope the new owners do something," she said.

Mackenzie Place was built in 1975.