Fort Simpson (Sep 03/04) - Village council scrambled last week to review a late development permit application for an addition to the Nahendeh Kue office building, a permit council went on to approve.

A special council meeting convened over the noon hour on Aug. 27. Seamus Henry, president of Nahendeh Development Corporation Ltd., apologized for submitting the application with little notice. He said there are numerous details involved in a construction project such as this one "and sometimes something falls between the cracks."

Mayor Raymond Michaud said the village had received a complaint from another businessman who argued he had to comply with building permits, and wanted to know why this project was an exception.

As well, council expressed concerns about the impact the addition would have on parking. The existing, unpaved lot is used by close to 40 government employees who work in the Nahendeh Kue building. Since the site was cordoned off for construction, several people have been leaving their vehicles in the Northern store parking lot across the street, Michaud noted.

Henry replied that with recent changes, the development meets all village bylaws.

The addition will have two floors. The upper floor will offer office space while the lower floor will be designated for retail.

Accordingly, 33 parking stalls have been allotted.

Deputy Mayor Dennis Nelner acknowledged the parking arrangement meets the minimum requirement, but suggested that additional parking would be useful.

Henry said he's exploring the possibility of acquiring more land and creating paid parking.

Nola Benwell, executive director for Fort Simpson Metis Local 52, which has a one-third share in the venture, said much of the additional office space will be used by existing tenants, so the demand for parking shouldn't rise sharply.

Council authorized the permit, subject to approval from the fire marshal. There's also a 14-day appeal process for anyone with concerns. The village also agreed to re-route the water main to the building.

"Get it up so we can collect taxes," councillor Owen Rowe told Henry.