the Canadian Forces' Base in Sandys.

Most of the Canadians will quit the Daniel's Head base by May 1 leaving a gap in the Bermuda economy of an estimated $10 million.

And the Government's special advisory committee is now calling on the public of Bermuda to come up with ideas for the land and buildings.

The committee was set up to find a use for the site which will benefit the community. They want any scheme to offset losses which will hit the Island's economy when the Canadians leave.

Ideas have already been put forward including a golf course, a nature reserve, parkland or a cottage colony.

In an advertisement in The Royal Gazette , the committee asked: "It is recognised that members of the public may have useful and valid proposals for this property and the committee is anxious, therefore, to receive submissions from interested persons concerning this matter.'' Proposals must be in writing and not more than three pages long. They must set out, in detail, suggestions for the use of the buildings and property.

However all plans must include maintenance and upkeep and where the income would come from.

The committee has been deliberating on such plans for the past eight months since it was announced that the 225-acre base would close.

The committee's mandate is that the scheme "should be for the economic benefit of Bermuda and should not involve demands for central financial support''.

"The configuration of buildings on the site is such that the committee is of the opinion that use for a single purpose is likely to offer the best opportunity for achieving this objective.'' Heading the committee is former Government Senate leader, the Hon. Charles Collis, who is off the Island at present.

Sen. Collis stressed in the past that ideas from the public would be welcome and this has now been formalised.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan said that he is waiting with interest for plans put forward by the committee and the public.

Submissions should be in by November 30, and should be marked for the attention of the the Assistant Cabinet Secretary, Cabinet Office, 105 Front Street, Hamilton HM 12. Details of the property are available in the Cabinet Office.