Yellowknife, N.W.T. - The city's plans to buy-up a portion of Gold Range Street caused a bit of a stir this summer, but there hasn't been much word on their progress.

Mayor Gordon Van Tighem said they're in different stages with the various property owners: from 'advanced discussions' to not-so-serious chats.

Van Tighem said the idea is about developing a partnership. So, what if some of the owners don't jump on board?

"No need for a contingency, it's just, at this point, you would probably develop on either side of them. The development plans are going to very much depend on the partners that can be brought into the process."

The mayor said he's heard a range of reactions from Yellowknifers about the plans for 50th, which include housing and a civic square.

"There's an awful lot of people that feel that that is an area that could do with some upgrading, and there are some people that feel that it's a part of the heritage and tradition of the community."

Van Tighem said they're in advanced discussions with the owners of the Diner, the Smart Bee Convenience store and the lot on the corner of 50th and 50th. But, they haven't had serious talks with the owners of the Raven Pub and the Gold Range.

The mayor said the reality is that many of the buildings along the strip have a short life span remaining, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

"There are existing and operating businesses there. Do they want to still be there after it's a newer building? It's all very interesting stuff."

At this point, the owners of the three lots comprising the Insta-loan and the Cornermart are the only ones who have agreed to sell to the city, and they're currently having an environmental assessment done on the properties.

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