This week, I am not going to dwell on litter. So I am sure that some of you are letting out a sigh of relief and if you listen carefully, you can hear cheers coming from city hall and over at the legislative assembly. However, those cheers may be a tad premature because I am sure that I will get back to the endlessly fascinating topic of litter at a later date.

The city reluctantly put in a temporary salvage area at the dump, but they certainly aren't pushing it. If you go to the dump with a load, they tell you to dump it in the red bins, usually without even mentioning that a salvage area exists.

There should a sign, with big bold letters on it, telling people that the bins are for garbage only and that if you have anything that can be recycled, reused, salvaged or composted, it should it be put elsewhere. A dump enforcer standing there with a Taser wouldn't hurt, much, and it might encourage people to sort their trash properly.

Since my infamous column on Frame Lake ("Frame Lake no longer a popular, pristine place," Yellowknifer, April 30), a number of longtime residents have talked to me about it. They feel that it really wouldn't take much to fix up McNiven Beach. People suggested a couple of gazebos, a few picnic tables and a roped off wading area for younger kids. They say that this section of the lake has a very gradual slope, so it warms up quickly and would be ideal for wading and swimming.

Located as it is within walking distance of most of the city, it would be an ideal recreational spot for residents who don't have vehicles. It would also be an ideal lake for canoes, paddle boats and even small sail boats. Someone even jokingly suggested that someone could run an electric ecological-friendly ferry service between Old Airport Road and the new city hall park, for those who would rather boat than walk. Several people said they would much rather see the city spend a little money on fixing up the lake, rather then import bushes and trees to plant along Old Airport Road.

There are rumours that the lake might be polluted, so someone should test the water regularly and publish the results to show that it is safe. The shoreline and shallows do need a bit of a clean-up, but that could be done and once done, steps could be taken to ensure that it remains clean. Some cities spend a lot of money to create artificial lakes while we seem to ignore the jewel we have.

Someone asked me why the museum is named after the Prince of Wales? Why is there a back entrance that is never used and a set of steps leading down to the lake. Legend has it that the Commissioner at the time, who shall remain nameless because people still fear his wrath, was a closet royalist. He named the building and even invited Prince Charles to come over for the grand opening. The prince was supposed to stand on those steps, while voyagers, in period costumes, paddled across the lake in canoes bearing gifts. Every time I think of that pageant, I get a chuckle. As far as I know that was the first and last time those steps were ever used and they remain the steps to nowhere.

Here is an idea: We could have an annual July 1st Friends of Frame Lake Rock and Roll Ramble. We could have a contest where city councillors start at the city hall park and MLAs start at the museum steps. The team that swims across the lake the fastest wins - they get bragging rights and the losers cook for the crowd. That would be a fun event and it would prove to people that the lake is indeed clean and safe for swimming.

I would like to end with a public service announcement. On Sunday June 6 there will be a Motorcycle Ride for Dad. This is part of a national drive to raise money and awareness for prostrate cancer. As a survivor myself, I certainly support this cause. Also remember, if you are male get your PSA tested regularly and if you are female, get regular breast exams. Early detection does matter. It could save your life.

• Walt Humphries is a well-known Yellowknife artist and prospector