Question 1 - Yellowknife is entering a significant economic transition as the NWT's diamond mining industry changes, with two mines now moving through closure while many of the major projects expected to create new economic opportunities are still several years from full construction. What should Yellowknife be doing now to navigate this transition and position the community for long-term economic success?

Despite our current economic transition with the mines closing, I believe there are still opportunities for economic growth in Yellowknife, particularly with renewed federal interest in the north.  These investments could create opportunities for local construction, transportation, logistics and professional services, but they won't automatically translate into local economic growth. We need to work with the GNWT, Indigenous governments and industry to identify infrastructure and land requirements, remove unnecessary development barriers and make projects shovel-ready.

We should also strengthen sectors already contributing to our economy, including tourism, arts and culture, environmental remediation and resource-sector services. We need to support the infrastructure businesses need to expand, ensure local and Indigenous businesses can meaningfully participate in major projects and procurement opportunities, and work with partners like the GNWT ECE and chambers of commerce to align local workforce skills and training with emerging opportunities. Economic development also means protecting the businesses we already have. My downtown proposals, for example, focus on supporting existing businesses and helping entrepreneurs occupy vacant commercial spaces. Having worked in northern economic development for over 20 years, I believe the City's role is to turn these new opportunities into tangible local investments, employment and a broader tax base.

Question 2 - Crime and public safety concerns are also creating direct costs for Yellowknife businesses through theft, property damage and increased spending on security and other measures to protect their employees and property. As a member of City Council, how would you address the impact these issues are having on the business community?

Business owners have told me that safety concerns are forcing them to invest in additional security measures and adjust their operating hours. I'd like to explore a targeted Security Enhancement Fund for one-time improvements to support downtown businesses, alongside community-based safety approaches developed with Indigenous partners and stronger coordination with the GNWT, RCMP and service providers to address recurring safety concerns. On top of safety, we need to have a conversation about what we actually want downtown to be. Rather than focusing exclusively on attracting new businesses and foot traffic, I'd like to build on the economic activity already there. Neighbouring offices, services and homes represent an existing customer base that could help breathe life back into downtown. For example, we could prioritize lunch spots, cafes and other services catering to workers and residents already downtown. I'd explore targeted incentives to fill vacant commercial spaces around Centre Square Mall, including temporary leasing assistance and expedited municipal approvals. If we want to change perceptions of downtown, the City must make tangible improvements that make downtown cleaner, sidewalks accessible especially during winter with timely snow removal, safer, more active and economically sustainable.

Question 3 - Yellowknife needs more development to support housing, economic growth and the long-term needs of the community, but development can involve difficult trade-offs and face barriers that prevent projects from moving forward. As a member of City Council, how would you approach growth and development in Yellowknife?

I support responsible development, but I think we need to be more deliberate about where and how Yellowknife grows. New development can expand our tax base and create economic opportunities, but it also brings long-term infrastructure and servicing costs. Before proceeding with major projects, we need to assess whether the benefits justify those costs, particularly in areas like Tin Can Hill and School Draw, where infrastructure capacity and environmental impacts are important considerations. I think long-term planning should also consider the value of preserving existing green spaces, rather than developing them now only to incur additional costs creating replacement recreational spaces later.

At the same time, we shouldn't create unnecessary obstacles for projects that make sense. I'd support more efficient municipal approval processes and earlier coordination with developers, Indigenous governments and the GNWT to identify infrastructure needs, regulatory barriers and potential funding partners. I also think we should reconsider the assumption that the City must own land before streamlined development can proceed. Strategic partnerships and cost-sharing arrangements could help make projects shovel-ready without requiring the City to assume all the risk.  I believe our responsibility is to facilitate growth that delivers tangible community benefits without creating municipal liabilities that outweigh its value. One other piece I think is really important here is that shovel-readiness isn’t simply doing more planning. It can actually reduce how much municipal money we spend on planning (and consulting!!). Once we identify a viable funding opportunity, we can focus the planning work around the specific criteria and deliverables required by the funding partner, rather than planning a project all the way through to construction before we even know who is going to pay for it. And to do that, we need to plan ahead.

The new Council needs a multi-year capital plan that looks beyond the projects we want to build at the funding environment, like what federal and territorial programs are coming up, what their eligibility requirements are, which projects we could position to meet those criteria, and what municipal investment is actually needed to get them shovel-ready. That lets us work backwards from funding opportunities, rather than committing municipal dollars first and looking for funding afterwards.

Question 4 - The major projects expected in the North will require a larger and more diverse workforce in the years ahead. How should Yellowknife prepare its residents and businesses to participate in and benefit from those opportunities?

I believe the city is at an important turning point. Diamond mining is changing, property taxes have risen sharply, downtown is evolving, and our broader economy is changing. At the same time, renewed federal interest in the north creates opportunities for new investment and growth. But if we are not ready those investment opportunities will be less sustainable for our city.

One other piece I think is really important here is that shovel-readiness isn’t simply doing more planning. It can actually reduce how much municipal money we spend on planning (and consulting!!). we need to plan ahead. The new Council needs a multi-year capital plan that looks beyond the projects we want to build at the funding environment, like what federal and territorial programs are coming up, what their eligibility requirements are, which projects we could position to meet those criteria, and what municipal investment is actually needed to get them shovel-ready.

I am running because I believe my experience can help Yellowknife navigate these changes. I am a community builder and creating partnerships and meaningful indigenous reconciliation is important for all of us. I have worked in northern economic development with the GNWT and Government of Canada, managing funding programs and building partnerships that turn public investment into results. I want to bring that experience to Council to make Yellowknife more affordable, safe, and ready to grow. My expertise would help discipline municipal spending, grow the tax base (not taxes), pursue sustainable development, strengthen intergovernmental relationships, and make sure Yellowknife is positioned to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. I respectfully request your support.