SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
After a flurry of public dissent, whether there will be a trail on Twin Pine Hill will be up to the next municipal council, says Coun. Dan Wong.

Over the past few weeks, councillors have been flooded with e-mails from residents angry that construction has begun for a condominium-build on the land before work on a trail network has begun, he said.

Condo units are under construction on Twin Pine Hill, as seen from the air last week. Some residents are upset that a plan to build a recreational trail on the site - a request years on the table - hasn't been finalized yet. - Shane Magee/NNSL photo

"There could have been a trail in there two years ago when staff came to us with a plan," said Wong. "We have half-a-million dollars set aside ... half from us and half from the land owner - Det'on Cho (Corporation)."

The majority of councillors did not support the plan at the time, he said, and so the promised trail network never materialized. Now, the developer has blasted and began construction at the site, with a firm plan to build condominiums, and alarmed trail-supporters have been clogging council's accounts.

"Because of that, I think the reality of a trail on Twin Pine Hill is closer," said Wong. "That's going to be the up to the next city council. I know that staff has committed to engage folks on what a trail would look like in a plan in the fall. Myself and many others will be waiting and watching and willing to take part in the design."

Wong said he thinks the view alone is worth promoting.

"It affords the most incredible views of Old Town and the big lake," he said. "That investment will be one worth making."

Jamie Bastedo - a naturalist whose guest column, ("Twin Pine promise should be kept," Aug. 5) in Yellowknifer on Aug. 5, summed up the case of residents who want a trail - said he is glad council appears to have listened to the demands.

"It's interesting the power of the pen. Council has been receptive to public pressure and interest this time of year, and that was definitely part of our plan," he said, adding that council ought to have gone ahead with building the trails two years ago, when a plan was in hand.

"I think it was unwise," he said, adding that when the Niven Lake community was built, the trail was built first.

"The trail came first, and then the development around it. To me that was a very prudent way of doing it. The most sensitive parts of Niven Lake have been protected because of that trail. To put a trail in after development makes it more complicated and politically charged."

Bastedo - who has been part of the trail discussion for 15 years - said he'll believe it's going to happen when he sees the shovel hitting the turf.

"I'm disappointed in council, in putting the private interest first . and sort of pushing the public interest aside," he said. "It is a magnificent bedrock. I'm not a condo-basher. I may live in one someday, but lets look at that site. It's the best view in Yellowknife of Yellowknife Bay."

Coun. Cory Vanthuyne said there's no need for the public to be upset about the project because a trail will be built.

"There always has been a firm plan to put something there, the details of the design are not finalized and we will be reaching out even further for a public consultation on that in the fall," he said. "There is no development . that gets away with no trail systems or parks or nature space. Our general plan states that's an absolute."

Vanthuyne said the condos need to go in first, then a trail can be planned.

"It makes sense that once you understand what the development is and . where it'll be specifically positioned on the property, then you can do your design of a trail."

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