Hot Springs takeover
Minority shareholders in the beleaguered Takhini Hot Springs have bought out the majority.
“After months of legal and financial wrangling, the group, led by Garry Umbrich and Tom Parlee, owns a majority of corporate shares,” said a news release issued by the two, who have been at the centre of shareholder infighting for more than a year.
Together, Umbrich and Parlee now own 52 per cent of the company, after staving off attempts by dissenting shareholders to sell off to the multinational Sotheby’s last year.
The deal would have given Sotheby’s control of the water source and the site’s water licence.
“We are glad that we have been able to keep Takhini Hot Springs in the hands of Yukoners,” says Parlee in the release.
Parlee, Umbrich and the other 10 shareholders, who represent two Yukon families, bought out the 33 dissenters, says Parlee.
The original group bought the springs in 1999, with a view to a housing development, among other lofty goals.
But it sat largely undeveloped due to board infighting.
The springs are now closed for renovations, including the refurbishing of the pool and a changeroom makeover.
The recreation site, which includes a café and campground, is scheduled to reopen June 1. (BM)
THE ARTS
Old fire hall keeps hoppin’
Arts and culture ramp up business, says Rick Karp.
The president of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce was referencing the old fire hall.
Last summer, the historic waterfront building opened its doors to everything from experimental music to comedy.
During a 57-day period between mid-May and mid-September, the venue saw more than 15,300 visitors, according to a government release.
This summer, a continuing partnership between the Whitehorse chamber, the Yukon Arts Centre and Tourism and Culture will keep the old fire hall open.
“By investing in the old fire hall as a public venue, we acknowledge its importance as a significant heritage building and an important asset to the Whitehorse waterfront,” said Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor in the release.
“This agreement between Tourism and Culture and the chamber will open many opportunities for the arts and cultural community as well as for local businesses,” added Karp in the release.
Businesses, not-for-profits, and individuals interested in booking the old fire hall can contact the Arts Centre at techdir@yac.ca or telephone (867) 667-8575. (GK)
ELECTIONS
Selkirk votes
Darren Isaac was re-elected chief of the Selkirk First Nation last week.
Of Selkirk’s 484 voters, 238 cast ballots.
Isaac garnered 112 votes. Chief candidate Jean Van Bibber was the runner-up with 58, while Freddie Harper earned 32 and Styd Klugie got 30.
Of the four Wolf Clan councillor candidates, David Silas and Jeremy Harper were elected. Silas garnered 176 votes, while Harper earned 123.
Ellie Profeit Marcotte and Bill Trerice also ran for councillor. Marcotte got 11 votes and Trerice earned 43.
Crow Clan councillor Audrey Baker was acclaimed, leaving one vacancy. (GK)