Yellowknife (July 30/04) - Several Yellowknifers are hopping mad at an Old Town pilot who turned a public nature preserve in their quiet residential neighbourhood, into a private helicopter pad.

For nearly a month, residents have been complaining to City Hall about the two-seat helicopter parked on an illegally-built platform at the edge of Yellowknife's Woodyard district.

Residents say the helicopter routinely takes off and lands on the platform, located on protected marshland that belongs to the territorial government.

"Several residents have raised their concerns with me," said city councillor Kevin O'Reilly.

"In addition to the noise created by the helicopter, there is a concern for public safety," he said.

The helicopter, a blue 2004 Robinson, is registered to JR Investments. Several woodyard residents report the owner and pilot is Jeff Rocher. But as of Wednesday afternoon, the city had not been able to confirm that fact, said Doug Gillard, manager of the Municipal Enforcement.

Nonetheless, city officials sent a registered letter to Rocher on July 8 asking him to remove the helicopter and the platform.

Monte Christensen, city manager of planning and lands, said Rocher has yet to reply. As of Thursday, the helicopter had not been moved. He said if the helicopter is not moved in the near future, municipal officers could issue an initial fine of $500 along with $100 for every day it remains in the nature preserve.

"We're not sitting on this," he said. "The idea is to get it out and we're examining the most effective way to do that."

Benefit of the doubt

When Christensen was asked whether or not Rocher was thumbing his nose at city hall, he laughed. "I'd like to hope not. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt."

Gabriela Klimes, a spokesperson with Transport Canada, said the helicopter's owner could also be charged under federal aviation regulations for operating in a "built up" area.

Klimes said no one has registered an official complaint with her department.

Rocher did not return phone messages seeking comment.