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Jennifer Obleman
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Permits top $82 million
The City of Yellowknife issued more than $82.5 million worth of building permits from January to August - more than triple the amount for the same period last year.
The biggest jump was in commercial permits. As of Aug. 31, there were 340 commercial permits issued for a total value of more than $70 million compared to 88 permits worth roughly $10.9 million this time last year.
"There are two or three major projects, like the expansion to the Explorer, Bailey House, and the Coast Plaza office building. Plus there's that bulk plant for RTL, that makes up 25 per cent of this year's construction," said Bill Fandrick, manager of the city's inspections division.
Ekati talks begin
Union leaders are optimistic a new contract will be negotiated soon for 400 workers at the Ekati diamond mine.
Talks began Aug. 29 on a collective agreement to replace the one that expired last month. Gayla Wick, acting president of the Union of Northern Workers, said the negotiations are off to a better start than last time.
"There definitely has been some good will shown on the employer's part," said Wick, adding BHP Billiton has already agreed to provide a union office at the mine site.
Tyhee finds gold, tungsten
Tyhee Development Corp. announced last month gold and tungsten results from its Nicholas Lake site, highlighting significant intersections including 33.7 metres of gold grading at 10.285 grams per tonne.
"Tungsten appears to occur in economically recoverable concentrations in places. Perhaps it can be recovered as a by-product," said president Dave Webb.
A sweet future
The Yk Centre will be home to a mouth-watering new business next month with the opening of The Chocolatier.
The store and light manufacturing operation, which will employ two workers, along with owners Leanne Tait and Claudia Richea, will feature a variety of truffles and candies made from European chocolate.A grand opening will be held next month including a chocolate making demonstration and taste testing