Yellowknife (Mar 08/06) - Floatplane owners are disappointed with the city's proposal for dock space on Kam Lake.

Hal Logsdon, president of the NWT Floatplane Association, spoke to city council Monday, telling them that the Kam Lake site isn't a good one. "The Curry Drive Kam Lake site was not our first choice," said Logsdon.

Logsdon said the site was far from town and could not be secured to prevent planes from being vandalized.

The association's preference is behind the city's Kam Lake garage because public access is restricted by a locked gate.

The city ruled that one out after pointing out insurance problems with non-city employees using city property to store their planes.

Logsdon said recreational floatplane owners need dock space and parking because there is little room to build on the shores of Yellowknife Bay and Back Bay.

Some floatplane owners feel the city is trying to get rid of floatplanes in Back Bay to make way for a kayak and canoe launch, said Logsdon.

"If the city thinks they can get rid of us, they can forget it," said Logsdon, reading from a letter sent by Bill Knutsen.

Logsdon said Knutsen lived in Yellowknife for many years, and now comes every summer with his own plane to visit. The NWT Floatplane Association was formed in Sept. 2004. Their main goal is to find a suitable location to build a long-term float base in Yellowknife.

There are eight to nine private floatplanes docking at Back Bay right now.

Logsdon said the association is willing to reconsider the Kam Lake site on Curry Drive if the city could help with security measures.

Greg Kehoe, director of Public Works, suggested adding a restricted access road to the lake site or restricting public access to the lake on Curry Drive.

City councillors asked that the city also look at allowing floatplane owners access to the city garage in Kam Lake.

"I think it's time to be creative," said Councillor David McCann.

Council ultimately decided that more discussion is needed with floatplane owners before a decision can be made on the Kam Lake proposal.