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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - City council is looking for input from residents in the area of Olexin Park on where they think the new Northland Utilities substation should be built.

The current five kilovolt substation at the end of 54 Street will be decommissioned to make way for a new 25 kilovolt substation. Northland Utilities has said the current land parcel where the substation is housed is not large enough. They have proposed three options, each 1,500 square metres, that run behind Olexin Park.

City councillor Shelagh Montgomery voiced concern over the new substation. She said residents need to be consulted about the relocation.

"It would be good to get input from people in the area," she said. "The new site could effect someone and it would be good to hear their concerns before we make a decision."

Coun. Bob Brooks said there doesn't need to be overkill on public consultation and that if anyone wants to voice concerns they certainly can, however a proactive approach to consultation isn't necessary.

The substation decommission is planned for 2010.

New proposed site for community garden

The Yellowknife Community Garden Collective (YCGC) has had their secondary option for a new community garden preliminarily approved.

The primary site proposed was a lot at Fritz Theil Park but after concerns were raise by the Back Bay Community Association and the Yk Slo-pitch Association over its close proximity to the ball park, the garden collective asked the city reconsider. The new proposed site is on School Draw Avenue adjacent to the former Bartam Trailer Court.

Details of the land lease have yet to be decided but Jeffrey Humble, director of planning and lands, said the city would consider a five to 10-year lease.

Coun. Lydia Bardak said the length of the lease needs to be considered for a time period long enough to allow them to get up and running.

"Five to 10 years might not be long enough for them," she said. "It takes time to get soil and the land to the degree that they will need."

Ballot draws to be held

The city will hold a series of ballot draws for land in the Engle Business district, giving one last opportunity to interested industrial parties to purchase large parcels of land for development.

The ballot draws would consist of two separate draws, one to two weeks apart. The first draw would allow for selection of four or more contiguous lots of four or more hectares and the second draw would include the remaining lots of half and full hectare lots.

The date of these ballot draws has yet to be decided.