'One way or another,' Dawson golf course will stay open, owner insists

A new owner may soon be taking over Dawson City's golf course, which has been on the hook for more than $500,000 in Yukon government loans for over a year.

Current owner Bill Hakonson told CBC News that he is working on a deal that would see the local Tr'ondek Hwech'in First Nation take over his Top of the World Golf Course.

Hakonson said the deal will ensure the privately-owned golf course remains open to the community.

"It's not going to quit, it's going to go," he said.

"One way or another, it'll open again next year. And I hope it's a better year, not quite as wet as this year," he added with a chuckle, referring to the Yukon's rainy, cool weather this summer.

Loan collectors for the Yukon government have been pressuring Hakonson since August 2007 to repay a $514,000 outstanding loan — the last outstanding debt being sought by the territorial government.

Hakonson would not discuss financial details of his pending deal, only saying it is "on the burner." The Tr'ondek Hwech'in First Nation would not comment on the agreement, either.

But corporate sponsors with the First Nation-owned fuel company have promised a bigger and better golf tournament at the course next summer.

Any sale arrangement will require approval from the Yukon government.