Yellowknife (July 11/03) - Start with some businesses, throw in a bunch of dogs and a few residents and you'll have Kam Lake.

With such a mix of uses permitted in the industrial zone, some business owners in Kam Lake are calling on the city to implement zoning restrictions.

"In general, we'd like to see Kam Lake more focused," said Lisa Empson, a seven-year resident.

On June 25, Empson presented a petition with 120 signatures from citizens concerned about the approval of another kennel in the industrial zone to the development appeal board.

But because dog kennels are permitted under industrial zoning, the board said they had to uphold the permit. Which CK Holdings Ltd. president Lauren McKiel said is just the problem.

"We either have an industrial park intended to encourage growth of industry, or we have dog kennels.

"But I submit to you in the strongest terms I can, you cannot have both," said McKiel.

As the president of a property leasing company, McKiel said the barking, smell and overall appeal of dog kennels is negatively affecting his business in Kam Lake.

"I don't have anything against mushers, but I don't think that industry and kennels mix," said McKiel.

Both McKiel and Empson said they don't want to see the current dog kennel owners kicked out of Kam Lake, but would like the city to create an area zoned specifically for future kennels.

"And if the current kennel owners want to move out there, then they can, but they shouldn't be kicked out," said McKiel.

Coun. Robert Hawkins, who is a member of the development appeal board, said he is planning on including the request for stricter zoning in his suggestions for the city's General Plan.

"Right now Kam Lake is a smorgasbord," said Hawkins. "There are too many conflicting issues in usages permitted out in Kam Lake."

Hawkins said allowing dog kennels in Kam Lake probably began because the city simply didn't have another option.

He said he also plans to bring the matter up for discussion with council.

And if Hawkins doesn't, Empson says she will. Empson said she plans to give a presentation to council about the issues in Kam Lake.

The possibility of calling in the federal government to take water samples to determine if the kennels are a health hazard was also suggested.

"I don't think that's the best way to approach the issue, but if we have to get nasty and drag in the federal government, we will," said Empson.