Jason Unrau
Northern News Services
Wednesday, July 25, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Tourists and locals alike should benefit from an informative new map of Old Town's artisan, merchant and historical treasures, set to be released on the cusp of the first Old Town Ramble and Ride festival Aug. 3 to 5.

"When you look at all the places listed on the map, the realization is brought home that Old Town is rich with cultural, artistic and commercial activities," said Daron Letts, Squatterz Books proprietor and driving force behind the new map.

"This will strengthen the neighbourhood and it does it on the community's own terms."

Letts said that the map was created with "considerable support" from the city's economic development office.

Matthew Grogono, manager of the Yellowknife Glass Recyclers' Co-operative, said such a project can only stimulate business for merchants and artists working in the area.

"We did a map like this two years ago and people actually started coming into the shop right after we released it with the map in their hands," he said.

"This project caught interest, pulled merchants together and got Old Town recognized as a great tourist destination."

Gallery of the Midnight Sun Manager Lisa Seagrave could not agree more.

"I'm really pleased that there is some renewed energy in Old Town that resulted in this collaboration," she said.

"Several years ago we had a similar map and I'm happy to see that revived because it's a great tool for tourists."