Yellowknife (Jan 12/07) - An aging trailer park development received a $20,000 Christmas present from city council during a special budget meeting last month.

Northland Trailer Park Condominium Corporation No. 8 was granted funding to conduct an infrastructure feasibility study in 2007.

"I'm very pleased that funds have been put toward the Northland study," said Coun. Bob Brooks. "I believe they will be sending us a thank-you note for this."

On Dec. 4, Wade Friesen, from the condo corporation, asked council to give the group at least $20,000 for a study of the development's water and sewage system, which is more than 30-years-old. The estimated cost of replacing the pipes is $15 million.

On Dec. 18, when council passed the budget, Northland was given $20,000, to be taken from the 2006 contingency fund. Also, council said there is the possibility of using $30,000 from the 2007 contingency fund.

Friesen said the condo corporation has $20,000 of its own money for the study, and has a plan to get more through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund.

"This fund requires that up to one-half of the eventual cost of the project be contributed by the lead applicant and its partner (the city)," said Friesen.

The total cost of the study is estimated at about $150,000.

Friesen said he estimated that in the past four years, dealing with water waste from the eroding water and sewer pipes has cost the condo corporation almost $250,000.

There are 259 homes in Northland. Owners pay property taxes, but don't receive direct services from the city because the trailer park is considered private property.