Yellowknife (Jan 30/04) - An influx of hundreds of young people into Yellowknife for this weekend's Arctic Winter Games trials will not go unnoticed by Yellowknife RCMP.

"We are aware of it and there will be a presence," Inspector Paul Richards said of planned police patrols.

While he is unaware of any past security issues, Richards said police will be prepared for any incidents.

"We will be making regular patrols and will answer any necessary calls for assistance," Richards said.

On the municipal enforcement level, Doug Gillard, bylaw manager for the city, said standard procedure will be followed throughout the weekend.

"We'll be making patrols around the arena areas to ensure fire lanes are open and there isn't too much congestion," Gillard said.

In the business community, merchants are aware of the pending arrival of all the athletes who will want to eat and shop as they tour the city.

At McDonald's restaurant, manager Gogoy Reyes said he is ensuring staff are prepared for the extra customers.

"People are pre-arranging food orders so they will be ready for their schedules," Reyes said. Last year, the restaurant saw a five per cent boost in sales during the weekend of the events.

In the accommodations industry, Super 8 motel manager Paul Dodds said it is "business as usual" and no extra preparations are being made.

"We have everything in place for the weekend," Dodds said.

Rob Meckling, assistant chef de mission of Sport North, said the last several weeks have been incredibly busy with preparations for the annual events.

"We're all ready for them," he said.