Hay River (Sep 13/04) - A solution to the town's land crunch could soon be in the mail.

Municipal Affairs minister Michael McLeod says he will outline a proposal in a letter to Hay River council and the Northwest Territory Metis Nation.

McLeod met with the Metis in Hay River Sept. 7 to discuss the town's concerns about a lack of land for development.

His letter to all parties will spell out how he intends to proceed.

"We are intending to have a resolution to this matter in the very near future," McLeod said.

Rob Tordiff, president of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation, said Metis will study the town's application for the transfer of Commissioner's land and make sure everyone's needs can be accommodated.

"We need to assess the plan and see what the facts are."

However, he said the facts don't support the town's contention of a land crisis.

Tordiff also said Metis are being incorrectly blamed for holding up development. "The Metis Nation supports development in Hay River."

During the meeting, discussions included procedures required under the Metis interim measures agreement and their negotiation process, Tordiff said. "There were some areas in that agreement that weren't followed."

Metis will work with the GNWT to make sure there is no confusion in the future.

Premier Joe Handley, in his role as minister of aboriginal affairs, also attended the meeting, as did Mayor Diana Ehman as an observer.

Ehman said she believes it advanced the process, and she will await McLeod's letter.