Nathan VanderKlippe
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 29/02) - Less than a week after evicting a pan-northern display of rocks and minerals from the airport, a GNWT Department of Transportation official was promising an alternate display.

Daniel Auger addresses city councillors at the priorities, policies and budget committee meeting held May 22. - Nathan VanderKlippe/NNSL photo

Daniel Auger, North Slave regional superintendent with the DOT, told city councillors May 21 that the department could incorporate a glass wall into new construction plans for the airport.

The wall, which would be situated between the baggage carousel area and the "sterile" departures waiting room, could incorporate another display on rocks and minerals.

"It's certainly better than nothing out there," said Walt Humphries, a local prospector who spearheaded creation of the original display. "I think it's a good idea -- they can put minerals in it and other things as well, depending on how big it is."

Founded by trustees of the Walter Gibbins Memorial Fund, the original display held a number of rocks and minerals. Built by volunteers last August, it cost about $18,000.

The six-sided display is currently in the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre, where it is awaiting a more suitable base before it is unveiled later this year. Airport management removed the display to make room for new security measures.

"The display that was there was a great display," said Auger. "It's just that its physical characteristics were not the best (for the baggage area)."

Since the display was removed May 15, the public has protested.

Humphries said he would be willing to put in the time to create a second display.

"We have quite a few duplicate samples or similar samples so we can fill another display case," he said. "It wouldn't be as comprehensive as the first one but we could certainly fill it."

Auger promised better communication on decisions like this in the future. He was urged by several councillors to create a stakeholder advisory group with community representatives to discuss the airport's expansion.

The proposed glass wall could also be used to showcase more of Yellowknife's tourism potential. The airport has drawn some flak in recent months over its lack of displays promoting northern tourism.