Yellowknife (Aug 15/03) - Some campers are left scratching their heads wondering why the territorial government is renovating the men's washrooms at the Fred Henne territorial campground.

"Why would the government be doing this in the middle of the tourist season," asked Doreen Vallentgoed from Vegreville Alta., a tourist staying at the campground.

"Why do it now? Why not before or after the tourist season?"

The men's washroom has been closed since Monday, Aug. 11, and campers are being sent into town to use the showers at the local pool.

Vallentgoed said she has noticed a number of people who were upset because the men's facilities were closed and they were forced to travel into town.

Vallentgoed added she personally isn't inconvenienced because her motor home is equipped with a shower, but for tenters and people with small campers or trailers, the lack of showers could be a problem.

John Parker, from Polson, Mont., was one of the campers who had to travel to town to shower.

"It's hard having to drive all the way to town, especially when you don't know where you're going," he said.

"This has to be bad for the tourist season here," he said.

Parker was disappointed with the timing of the renovations. His wife Norma Parker also didn't understand why the work had to start now.

Even though Parker has to travel to town to clean, they are still going to enjoy their stay in Yellowknife.

"It's a big inconvenience but we'll survive," he said.

Damien Healy, public affairs officer for Resources Wildlife and Economic Development, explained the contractors have to do the work now because they are using a certain type of adhesive that can only be used at certain temperatures.

Vince Dixon, contractor for the campground, said the work should be done by the weekend, which is the busiest time during the week.

"During the week we have 39 units but on the weekends they jump up to about 90," he said.

He admitted the lack of shower facilities for men is a problem but they do have coupons for the campers so they can use the showers at the local pool.

Dixon added the renovations, once they are complete, will improve the facility.