Yellowknife (Feb 11/05) - If it's up to 10-year-old Tori Banner, the new federal building under construction on Franklin Avenue will be called "mom."

"I think they should name it 'mom' after my mom," she said.

Banner and other Yellowknifers are taking up the federal government's challenge to name the building.

"We want to honour the local history and leave the naming of the building to the creativity and resourcefulness of Yellowknifers," said Tom Corrigan, a spokesperson for Public Works and Government Services, the federal department overseeing the project.

The four-storey office building has been billed as one of the most environmentally-friendly structures in Canada.

The rear wall is laced with thousands of photo-voltaic cells, which trap sunlight and convert it into electricity. The concrete in the building contains 20 per cent recycled material and some water for the toilets will even come from melting snow.

Some Yellowknifers, like Vicky Johnston, believe the building should have a name that reflects its eco-friendly design.

"I think it should be called 'Hope for the future,'" said Johnston.

Others believe the name of the building should highlight the contributions aboriginals have made to Yellowknife.

"A Dene name would be nice," said Grace Mackenzie. "But hopefully one that everyone can pronounce."

Bea Rodh, who works across the street from the construction site, said she had not decided on a name. But she was just happy the building "was not square" like the other office towers downtown.

A committee that includes members of the Yellowknife historical society, the Chamber of Commerce, federal employees and community leaders will present three names to the federal minister of public works - Scott Brison - who will have the final say.

The committee is looking for a wide variety of suggestions including the name of a person (dead or alive), a place or event with historical significance or something that highlights the eco-friendly nature of the building, said Corrigan.

The name could be revealed during an official ceremony this summer, he said.

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 18. Suggestions can be entered online at www.pwgsc.gc.org. They can also be mailed or faxed to the department of Public Works and Government Services, here in Yellowknife.

The building is slated for completion some time this summer. Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the photo-voltaic wall and front atrium and will soon move inside. "Everything is on schedule," said Corrigan.

The building - which comes with an $18 million price-tag - will house federal government offices and a yet-to-be-determined retail store on the ground floor.''