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A locked barrier has been erected on the access road up to Tin Can Hill to prevents motorists from entering. - Myles Dolphin/NNSL photo

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
For mountain bikers, hikers and dog walking enthusiasts living near Tin Can Hill, a recurring question keeps puzzling them: who exactly is allowed up there?

A locked barrier preventing access to motorists displays a "No trespassing" sign, although much of the area on the hill has recently been designated as protected green space and remains one of only three off-leash areas in the city.

For many years a fierce debate was waged over what to do with the 33-hectare piece of land, as opponents and supporters of a proposal to protect the hill from residential development were pitted against each other.

City councillor Mark Heyck led the fight to preserve the hill and turn it into a parks and recreation zone.

Earlier this year, Heyck got his wish.

"A large portion of the hill was rezoned to parks and recreation by council, effectively preserving it as a natural recreational area," he said.

Paul Reddy, who lives on School Draw Avenue, ignores the sign and doesn't understand who it is addressing.

"I walk my dog up there all the time and so do a lot of other people," he said.

The confusion spread online as a Twitter user misinterpreted the sign as well.

"Why is Tin Can Hill re-zoned as private property. Let's remove the no trespassing sign," read one tweet.

Residents were warned last year to stay out of the area during blasting while an access road was being built for a new water treatment plant. But Mayor Gord Van Tighem said residents are free to roam Tin Can Hill as they please - that includes snowmobiles and ATVs.

"You just can't drive (a vehicle) up there," said Van Tighem.

Van Tighem added that two squatter fires in the past week had also contributed to the decision to put up the sign.

As an ideal place to enjoy significant green space in the city, the barrier and sign at the base of the hill are also confusing because of a meeting that took place last year between council and residents of that area.

Heyck said residents were told that the access road was solely for trucks going to and from the future treatment plant. The reasoning behind the decision goes back to the old gravel road on the top of the hill, once used by motorists. After some residents expressed concerns over illegal activities taking place, it was closed. The city did not want the same problems to recur with the access road.

Heyck added that a few concepts were proposed regarding vehicle access up the hill, and where a potential parking lot might be built. One suggestion had it at the top of the hill while another had it at the base.

As of Monday morning the barrier remained locked but the sign had been removed and placed on the side of the road.

Tin Can Hill got its name from the accumulation of trash left there by employees of the Miramar Con Mine, which operated from 1938 to 2003.

- with files from Mike W. Bryant

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