The City of Yellowknife is implementing various strategies to assure wildfire readiness. KPMG has been contracted to conduct an after-action assessment for the city's 2023 wildfire response, and its interim report is due to the city's staff by May 6.

The consulting firm is scheduled to deliver its interim findings to the city on May 13, and the final report is due on July 1. Meanwhile, the city has been working on an emergency evacuation plan and training personnel with the incident command system (ICS) I-100 and ICS I-200. All those working in the emergency operations centre will undergo a two-day training session before the summer, with a one-day rehearsal planned to ensure smooth operations. 

Between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. on April 27, the Yellowknife Community Arena will be the location of a public wildfire preparedness information centre hosted by the city and GNWT. During this open house, the public will receive important information about wildfire preparedness, which will be repeated to a degree at the trade show on May 11 at the City of Yellowknife booth including handouts. 

In addition, the city is introducing a web page as part of its communications initiative. The website will be live for the trade show. It will enable individuals to access all necessary information in a single location. Using drop-down subheadings will facilitate navigation. Principal categories will be displayed on the right-hand side to facilitate users' rapid navigation to the desired section. It will also include a link to the government website and information regarding air quality.

The city is also considering implementing a push system on the website in which individuals voluntarily subscribe to a distribution list to receive communications from the city regarding emergencies or critical circumstances. Additionally, social media will be leveraged. Ongoing refinement of the communications strategy will guarantee that residents are consistently informed and engaged.

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The film industry has emerged as a significant economic contributor in the Northwest Territories (NWT), bolstering revenue and employment while also diversifying the economy away from its mining sector foundation.

Members of Yellowknife council were presented with a report entitled "Eyes Wide Open," which was written by Graeme Clinton of the research firm Impact Economics. The report exposed the potential economic repercussions that could ensue from the closure of certain mines in the territory. The film industry may serve as an alternative method of establishing employment stability in a variety of sectors throughout the territory when the mine closures unfold.

Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Caitlin Cleveland says it is a common misconception that working in the film industry requires technical training or expertise in film and/or media. Electricians, transporters, and carpenters are all essential components of a diverse workforce, which is critical for production.

Service providers, including both individuals and businesses, play a vital role in ensuring the film industry's smooth operation in the region. The provision of accommodation, meals, and equipment rentals are among the services they render indispensable for effectively implementing commercial productions. Additional sectors that provide diverse services advantageous to the film industry include wildlife monitoring, cultural advising, and tour guiding. By supporting the film industry in this way, Cleveland says service providers ensure the continued growth and success of production in the Northwest Territories.

The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) reports that media production in Canada supported 241,000 jobs, contributed $13.7 billion to the nation's gross domestic product, and attracted $7.5 billion in foreign investment during the fiscal year of 2022.

According to Statistics Canada, the multiplier effect for most Northwest Territories motion picture and video industries is 1.54. This indicates that each dollar invested in production activities yields a return of $1.55. According to statistical data, the Northwest Territories received an estimated $16 million in revenue, of which $3 million originated from commercial productions.

With guest productions such as Cold Road, Alone, and Alaska Daily and local productions such as Food for the Rest of Us, She Gives Birth, Stuff I Found Diving, and Elijah in the Rock Creature, the film industry in NWT has expanded substantially.

Cleveland asserts, however, that the territory's principal obstacle at this time is competing for projects with its provincial and territorial neighbours.

In response to this concern, the government initiated the Rolling, Action! The Next Five Years initiative. Per the NWT Film and Media Sector Strategy and Action Plan, several initiatives have been successfully deployed to aid regional producers and entice productions to the north. The strategy has stimulated regional economic activity and job growth.

The film rebate program for the Northwest Territories is a significant deliverable of this strategy. This competitive program encourages investment in the region by offering a 25% to 14% rebate on labour and expenditures incurred during production to pre-approved productions that intend to film in the territory. To promote the expansion of production beyond Yellowknife into other regions, a cost-offsetting provision of up to 40% of the funding will be extended. Historically valued at $100,000, the program allocated an additional $300,000 during the last fiscal year. Since inception, the film rebate has supported 20 productions included in these productions have been feature films, documentaries, television series, and commercials that have been filmed across the territory.

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If you find yourself distracted by the annoying buzz of mosquitos downtown, you may just be hearing things.

The device in the downtown core, has been brought forward for the first time at city hall by Yellowknife City Councillor Ben Hendriksen.

In late 2023, the owners of Centre Square Parkade installed a "Mosquito Device" at the entranceway to the underground parking garage on 51 Avenue. The device emits a high-pitched sound to reduce loitering and curb safety concerns. A similar device was also installed at the entrance of the above-ground parking garage for the same parkade on 50th Street.

The device is designed to deter loiterers, vandals, and other troublemakers by producing a sound that has a range of up to 130 feet (40 meters). The device installed in this area can be heard by people of all ages, but does not affect pets, birds, or other wildlife.

Hendriksen, says that using the Mosquito Device negatively impacts the rest of the downtown area. He believes that the benefits of parking underground should not outweigh the costs to everyone who needs or wants to be present in the downtown core. Hendriksen adds he doesn't object to its use if the noise were only audible on the owner's property, but believes that the tool should be regulated, just like the city regulates dog poop pickup, speed limits, and snow clearance on sidewalks. The owners have the devices on from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Initially, it was used for 24 hours.

Hendriksen states that when the device was first installed during the winter of 2023, it appeared to reduce loitering in the parkade. However, as the temperature began to rise, the situation changed.

Craig MacLean, The Director of Public Safety, stated that there is only one known complaint regarding the device. The complaint came from one person and was repeated three times. There have been no additional complaints since they became aware of the device in December 2023, which was initially brought to their attention by a media inquiry. MacLean said they don't have any statistics from the property manager regarding the device's effectiveness in curbing behaviours.

The city manager, John Collin, informed the city council that addressing the noise bylaw issue in the current year's work plan would be impossible due to the high workload and the risk of being unable to deliver on several other critical areas. If the noise bylaw issue is included in the work plan, something else will need to be removed from it.

There are currently no bylaws addressing public safety issues downtown, leaving people without tools to address these issues and turning to alternatives like this.

Noise control is just one aspect of the broader conversation needed around public safety in the downtown area. Tom McLennan, Yellowknife City Councillor, believes that devices are insufficient to address the issue, which is addiction and homelessness. He believes that more resources need to be directed towards this area, such as ensuring that the Street Outreach program provides timely resources and following up on the territory's homeless strategy.

Yellowknife's mayor, Rebecca Alty, has expressed doubts about the device's effectiveness and predicts that spending staff time on this issue is unnecessary, as it will likely disappear before the bylaw is changed. She states that the federal government has implemented Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action No. 21, which seeks long-term, sustainable funding for healing centres. Additionally, the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) and RCMP have established a dedicated drug enforcement unit in GNWT. "We commissioned a $100,000 review of the Street Outreach program, so I want to see what recommendations come from that before we direct staff to do more research," Alty adds.

Counsellor Cat McGurk pointed out that sensory sensitivities can vary among individuals, and those with such sensitivities may find it challenging to cope with loud noises and disturbances that negatively affect their quality of life. She states that it would be unfortunate if a portion of the community would refrain from visiting a specific area of town due to such issues. As a counsellor, McGregor has received direct inquiries from many residents about this issue.

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Small and medium-sized businesses can now apply to the City of Yellowknife's Indoor Space Improvement Grant.

Grants of up to $5,000 will be given to help recover COVID-19 related expenses incurred anytime after May 10th to improve their indoor space.

The city says the purpose of the grant is to help offset the cost burdens for businesses to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This grant will go towards ongoing space improvements and costs to comply with the guidelines set forth by the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer.

To be eligible, businesses must have twenty employees or less, be in the city, have a valid business licence, and operate in accordance with applicable bylaws and permits.

Qualifying industries include food and retail services; hospitality and tourism; arts, culture and entertainment; personal care services; and recreation.

The grant will provide reimbursement of eligible costs/expenses upon receipt of proof of expenditure.

Funds payable under the grant will be paid within 30 business days.

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The Pumpkin Lane will be returning to Yellowknife this year from November 1st until November 3rd.

Residents are encouraged to participate by bringing their own pumpkins down to the amphitheater at Somba K’e Civic Plaza.

Each evening starting at 5:30 p.m. where residents will assist in lighting the pumpkins and enjoy the creative efforts of Yellowknifers.

Lighting supplies are provided, however residents are welcome to bring their own stuff to assist with the lighting process.

The City of Yellowknife will be following all current health orders issued by the office of the Chief Public Health Officer.

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City of Yellowknife facilities and services are reopening, with most of them beginning Monday, October 25th.

These changes follow the decision of the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer to amend the temporary COVID-19 restrictions put in place.

Facilities may be subject to capacity limitations or bookings so residents are asked to check ahead before accessing any City facilities.

City Hall will remain closed to the public at this time while the Solid Waste Facility remains open to the Public. Express bus services are to resume on Monday.

The Yellowknife Public Library will open October 23rd by appointment only and will be limited to 25 people.

The Ruth Inch Memorial Pool and Multiplex.will open October 25th by appointment and for rentals.

The Fieldhouse will open October 25th for rentals, track, playground and climbing wall. Limits are in place for the track. Playground and climbing wall and will be on a first come, first served basis.

Masks or facial coverings remain mandatory on Yellowknife Public Transit, and in all indoor City facilities.

Screening, physical distancing and capacity restrictions remain in place.

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During a council meeting on October 18th, Yellowknife councilors voted in favor of seeking voter approval for the City to borrow up to $10,001,000 to finance the development of the aquatic centre.

A referendum to determine if the city can borrow the required money will take place on November 23rd.

If a majority of eligible voters vote in favour of the city borrowing to fund a portion of the construction cost, the City will enter into an agreement with Clark Builders.

Work on the proposed aquatic centre will then begin in 2022.

Mayor Rebecca Alty says the city is now at a critical step in the development of the project and are turning to the community.

“This is a community decision and I encourage all eligible voters to learn about this project, cast their vote, and have their say,” she adds.

To vote, eligible voters are encouraged to cast their vote through a mail-in ballot. They must register to vote by October 23rd in order to receive their ballot in the mail.

Voters who register after this date will be required to attend a voter assistance location to cast their ballot. The locations at the Multiplex and Tree of Peace will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Ballots must be received by the City by 7:00 p.m. and may be returned by pre-paid mail, dropped off at City Hall or taken to one of the two voter assistance locations.

The latest information on the proposed aquatic centre is available on the City’s website.

The aquatic centre is scheduled to be completed by September 2024.

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On October 12th, the City of Yellowknife plans to pitch it’s plan to build a new Aquatic Centre.

City administration is presenting to Council asking them to seek voter approval for the borrowing of up to $10,001,00 to finance the development of the Aquatic Centre.

Council will also be asked to authorize the City to enter into a contract with Clark Builders in the amount of $67,735,329.

City Manager Sheila Bassi Kellett says the proposed Aquatic Centre, which has been underway since 2016, is a significant project for the community.

“It is important for Yellowknifers to know the status of this project, the next steps, the decision they will be asked to make in a November referendum, and the implications of the decision of that vote,” she adds.

The City is preparing to hold a referendum on November 23rd to determine if they can borrow a portion of the funds necessary.

In order to maximize flexibility and ease of voting during COVID-19, the City will be proceeding with mail‐in balloting.

Ballots will be mailed to each eligible voter. A person is eligible to vote if they are a Canadian citizen; are 18 years of age; and have lived in Yellowknife for the past year.

The ballots may be returned by pre‐paid mail, dropped off at City Hall or taken to one of the two voter assistance locations that will be available on November 23rd.

All ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. on November 23rd. A majority of ballots cast is required for approval.

Mayor Rebecca Alty says a detailed communication plan has been developed for the October 12th meeting in order to lay out a process that will provide information to voters.

“The City’s goals are to maximize voter turnout for this important decision, and to ensure voters are able to base their decision on a suite of information including the financial impacts, and the implications of approving/declining the proposal to borrow for the Aquatic Centre,” she adds.

Alty says comprehensive information is essential so that Yellowknife voters understand what they are being asked to vote on and the implications of a yes or no vote.

The public and members of the media are invited to watch the live webcast on October 12th at 12:05 p.m. to view the presentation and find out more about the proposed project and referendum.

The latest information on the proposed Aquatic Centre is available on the City's website.

The Aquatic Centre development schedule indicates completion is expected in mid/late 2024.

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Yellowknife city councillors voted against the GNWT’s request to turn the former Aurora Village building into a temporary day shelter for the next three years.

At a special council meeting on Monday evening, four of the seven councillors voted against granting the GNWT a conditional use permit for the building on 4709 Franklin Avenue.

The Department of Health and Social Services chose the location in September after asking organizations in the city if there was an existing space that could be used for a temporary shelter.

But in order to go ahead, it needed approval by the City.

Those against the proposal were councillors Stacie Smith, Niels Konge, Steve Payne and Rommel Silverio.

Smith says she feels the proposal was not the right solution and that this isn’t the end of the road.

“I don't want us to take the first handout, as we have for many years thinking that this will be the only solution that will come to us,” she adds.

Smith says not every stone has been turned as has been indicated by the GNWT. In fact she says very few actually have actually been turned.

“That in itself is very distressing, knowing that we’ve been given one part of the story and so has the public,” she adds.

Konge mentioned the lack of outdoor space as a major reason for his decision.

“The solution that the GNWT is proposing is to basically shut down one lane of Franklin avenue and use that as a parking spot for ambulances or for shelter users to go out and do what they need to do,” he adds.

Konge says it’s not a good solution at all.

Payne says his decision was made because having this solution be a three year commitment is too long a time for local businesses to weather the storm.

“If this was an eight month period, I would have no problem supporting this,” he adds.

Payne also notes that the proposed location is in a very dangerous intersection with traffic going all ways and that somebody would eventually get seriously hurt.

Silverio voiced his displeasure with the GNWT’s proposal saying the most vulnerable people in the community deserve better than another band aid solution.

Those in favor of the proposal were councillors Shauna Morgan and Juilian Morse as well as Mayor Rebecca Alty.

Morgan says by accepting the location, they could help ease people’s suffering, get people through another day, and give them a safe place that can get them moving forward with their lives.

“We have to look at what the risks are of delaying this. If people don’t have somewhere to go, what are the risks of being harmed out on the street and freezing,“ she adds.

Morgan says the risk of not doing it is must greater than the risk of going ahead with a shelter in this location.

“We have an option that is real, that is tangible and that can get up and running soon. Instead of hoping for something better that we haven't seen, we just need to grab onto the solution that is right in front of us,” she adds.

Morse says it is his moral obligation to make decisions to protect the most vulnerable people in the community, which is why he was in favor of the location.

Morse says the impacts that could happen to businesses are not even close to being in the same category of concern as the risk to life and limb falling the most vulnerable.

“I will prioritize the needs of the people most at risk over business every single time,” he adds.

Morse says it would be extremely unfortunate and embarrassing to see council stand in the way of a solution if it ends up being the only solution that does work out.

“It would be untenable for me if in three or four months from now, we’re looking at extremely cold weather and a solution isn’t in place,'' he adds.

Alty says she felt as though council wasn’t looking at the shelter application the same as they do every other application.

“On one hand, yes, we’re meant to determine whether a special care facility is an appropriate use of this location, however, we tend to get into a discussion about whether there’s a better location,” she adds.

This decision could result in a similar situation to last year when then Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Paulie Chinna had to declare a public emergency to clear the Mine Resources building to house a new temporary day shelter after the city could not come to an agreement about where a temporary shelter should be located.

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The City of Yellowknife is implementing changes at City facilities following the recent COVID-19 gatherings order from the GNWT.

City Hall, the Fieldhouse, the Multiplex and the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool will all be closed effective September 25th to October 4th.

Events and programs run by the city are suspended until October 4th or until directed otherwise by the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer.

The Municipal Enforcement Division will also be closed to the public. Residents can still contact dispatch and reach MED via e-mail.

The Yellowknife Public Library will be open by appointment only while the Yellowknife Community Arena will continue to function as a temporary day shelter, as it is considered an essential service.

City buses will have a capacity of 50 passengers at a time and masks will continue to be required.

Outdoor facilities, including parks and playgrounds, will remain open with signage reaffirming public safety steps and OCPHO restrictions including respecting the 25 person limit for outdoor gatherings.

The city says they will update residents as the situation develops.

More information on facility closures, programs, memberships and refunds can be found on their website.

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