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?

While tourism cannot be expected to replace diamond mining, it does have the opportunity to position itself as a bridge economy as we prepare for major projects. Investing in our downtown, our hotels, and our third spaces not only improves the tourist experience, but puts infrastructure in place for the people who will be arriving to town in the next economic wave.

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?

Getting more housing built, and more social and transitional housing with wraparound supports will ease the burden on vulnerable sector, and ideally reduce crime. Furthermore, increasing MED and RCMP bike patrols will keep officers more nimble and can increase their presence and interaction with downtown residents, businesses and the vulnerable population.

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?

The need for growth, and housing to support that growth is paramount. Infill must be on the table, and we need to streamline the development process, as we continue to negotiate the transfer of more greenfield from the GNWT and indigenous partners. In the downtown, I am excited to see how taxing vacant lots spurs development by landowners, and look forward to the city streamlining the permitting process so that land can be developed in a timely manner.

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?

Primarily through decreasing barriers to growth, advocating for more training and retraining for current residents to participate in the workforce required for these major projects. Also encouraging current homeowners to unlock the earning power of their own property with laneway housing, and secondary units. A well trained and housed workforce will benefit us all.