ANRET 2007 Conference

The Natural Resource Departments of Canada’s Northern Territories, comprised of Yukon, Northwest Territories, are looking forward to hosting the 2007 ANRET Conference & Annual General Meeting in Yellowknife on June 24 - 27.

We are putting together a very dynamic agenda that we feel you will enjoy and benefit from. In addition, for those non-voting members who may miss portions of the business meeting, we are adding additional optional sessions, and have also allotted time for networking and round table discussions among our members. This is always time well spent. We have tried to provide sessions that YOU have requested.

Additionally we also have a number of spouse (and family) events planned with transportation provided. Tentatively, the spouse events will include a cultural trip to Fort Rae (visit with aboriginal elders and tour of village). A trip to the Territorial Heritage Center as well as guided tours of the Territorial Legislative assembly where they will learn about our “consensus” style of government. We will also have the usual city tours (including eating, shopping and special events). The spouse events will be hosted and led by expert tour guide, Jackie Coulter (John’s wife!).

Please remember to bring/send items for door prizes and the silent auction! We are going to have some GREAT prizes! Remember, these are used to help offset conference expenses. Also be sure to bring along agency related items and materials for trade or give away!

Evening activities for all will hopefully include, maybe for a small fee, (see previous paragraph) a Back Bay boat trip and fish fry (weather permitting) as well as a North of 60 Wild Game Feast at a local Park.

TRANSPORTATION

The easiest way for most of you to get to Yellowknife will be by air transportation. To facilitate this we have appointed an official travel agent and an official air carrier.

OFFICIAL TRAVEL AGENT

Arctic Escapes Travel is the official agent for the 2007 ANRET Conference and AGM. They are able to arrange your entire trip from home to Yellowknife (and return in case you decide not to stay). Travel to and within Canada’s North has been known to be difficult at times, and many times we have experienced a knowledge gap between southern-based agents and the wonderful services we have available here. In many cases, southern agent cannot even locate some of our local service providers, exorbitant change fees can be charged, luggage sent the wrong direction, etc. Consequently we have engaged Arctic Escapes Travel to ensure you obtain the service you deserve. They know the tricks and have the contacts to ensure you have a great trip. Besides all that, ANRET stands to benefit when you use their service.

OFFICIAL AIR CARRIER

Canadian North Airlines is the official airline for the 2007 ANRET Conference & AGM. They will fly you to Yellowknife from either Calgary or Edmonton at our special conference package price (currently about $277 from Edmonton, $368 from Calgary plus taxes each way). Even if you are booked from other Canadian North destinations, this rate will apply for the Edmonton or Calgary leg. Even though you may be able to find an occasional “special sale”, by booking our conference rate you/we benefit because

- this fare has no change fees (subject to availability) and is fully refundable before departure.

- the fare benefits the conference (such as extra special assistance for our presenters)

- any regular or cheaper sale fares will sell out well before the conference fare does, and even if the plane is getting full, we can request a seat be made available at the conference fare. This is especially useful as the time of the conference is one of the single busiest travel times in the north. (And we know how you and/or your travel approval folks like to procrastinate).

- it’s a great airline and the service is northern, try it, you’ll be impressed.

To arrange your flight at our special conference rate, you can call Canadian North directly to book at 1-800-661-1505 or contact our Official Travel Agent, Arctic Escapes Travel. Our convention code is CV07003. This fare cannot be booked online.

We have arranged for a four day window on either side of the conference at this fare to allow you to come early or stay late. We can ask for exceptions if you decide you need more time than this. Contact Arctic Escapes Travel, or Conference Coordinator (John).

DRIVING

There are two possible “Official Highways” to Yellowknife, one from northern British Columbia, following an all weather gravel highway part of the way, and one from northern Alberta which is paved, completed in 2006.

From Northern Alberta

Take Alberta Highway 35 north, and cross into the Northwest Territories at the 60th Parallel, where it turns into NWT Highway #1. At Enterprise, Highway 2 leads to the Town of Hay River, if you wish to detour. For Yellowknife, continue on Hwy. #1 and about 20 km beyond Lady Evelyn Falls, you’ll connect with Highway 3, the highway to Yellowknife.

Cross the wide, fast flowing Mackenzie River on a government operated ferry (no charge). The ferry is operational from 6am to 12am, 7 days a week. The ride is less than 20 minutes.

Edmonton to Yellowknife:         1513 km
High Level to Yellowknife:          778 km
Enterprise to Yellowknife:           445 km
Fort Providence to Yellowknife:   314 km
Rae/Edzo to Yellowknife:            108 km

Driving time between Yellowknife and Edmonton is approximately 18 hours. The distances between communities are quite large and it might be advisable, depending on your car, to carry a jerry can of fuel. Gas stations along the way usually are open well into the evening. (depending on if the fish are biting)

From Northern British Columbia

The Liard (Highway 7) is a scenic drive from Fort Nelson, B.C. to the junction with NWT Highway 1, near Fort Simpson. From Fort Simpson, drive east to the junction with Highway 3 to Yellowknife.

CONFERENCE HOTEL

We have established an ANRET Conference room rate of $144.00. When making your reservation, BE SURE TO MENTION YOU ARE WITH THE ANRET CONFERENCE. Room rate is daily, single or double occupancy and is subject to prevailing taxes, currently 6% GST. This room rate will be available until JUNE 1^st. Reservations may be charged to most credit cards.

The special conference room rates will apply three (3) days before and (3) days after the dates of the Conference. If you wish to extend your time in Yellowknife past these dates, we may be able to assist you if you reserve well ahead of time. We have reserved a block of 50 rooms at this rate.

Please note that as this is one of the busiest times of the year, hotel space is at a premium, and will be difficult to obtain outside of this arrangement. In other words, book early!

The Yellowknife airport is approximately 4 miles from the Explorer Hotel and provides a complimentary shuttle service. Although not necessary, it is a good idea to contact them at least 24 hours in advance.

WHAT TO BRING

In Yellowknife you will find that dress is casual. Plan on dressing in layers to prepare for changing weather. June through September temperatures can range from +10 Celsius to +30 Celsius. We recommend rain gear, sun hat, fleece sweater or jacket, suntan lotion, sunglasses, insect repellant or bug jacket, light gloves, comfortable walking shoes/hiking boots, long pants, shorts, camera/film.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at your convenience:

PRE and POST CONFERENCE EVENTS

We are constantly working on setting up additional things for you to do at your own expense before and after the conference, and will be adding more information to the website.

See Arctic Escapes brochure at www.aetravel.ca/brochure06.pdf for some ideas and prices on tours that are currently available, and book them directly with Arctic Escapes.

We are planning on holding additional optional presentations on the Thursday following the official conference (June 28) that you may find of interest. There will be no charge to registered conference participants and/or their families. Keep in contact with the ANRET website for more information.

WHAT TO BRING

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at your convenience:

PRE and POST CONFERENCE EVENTS

We are constantly working on setting up additional things for you to do at your own expense before and after the conference, and will be adding more information to the website.

See Arctic Escapes brochure at www.aetravel.ca/brochure06.pdf for some ideas and prices on tours that are currently available, and book them directly with Arctic Escapes.