Why it is Important for Folks to Sign our Petition 

The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce has been involved in the public engagement portion of the Community Plan update from the very start. We have seen signs that the new plan will very much follow the same problematic direction, with the same principles and values, as the 2020 Community Plan.

We have done our best to object to this, and to share the perspectives of the business community, but we do not feel that our voice has been adequately considered.  We recently met with City Hall officials to express our concerns, and they made it clear to us that the vision for the new Community Plan is not yet set in stone and they have invited us to gather more feedback from our members to ensure that our views are adequately considered. 

The Prime Minister’s recent announcement last week highlights national focus on northern security, infrastructure, and economic development underscores the opportunity ahead for our region. Ensuring Yellowknife has sufficient land, housing for a growing workforce, and the ability for local businesses to participate in that growth makes getting the Community Plan right more important than ever.

Our Specific Requests of City Hall and City Council: 

1. Build and Maintain a Multi-Year Land Inventory 

Given the long lead times required to bring land to market, the City should work proactively to build up and maintain an inventory of developable land sufficient to meet at least three years of anticipated demand. This approach would allow for adjustments if demand shifts and would prevent reactive land management.

This buffer of available land has been missing for the last fifteen years and has resulted in the City being constantly behind the eight ball.  We would like to see this new approach specifically detailed in the Community Plan

2. Set Clear Housing Targets 

The Community Plan should identify specific targets for the number and types of housing units to be delivered in both infill and greenfield areas.

3. Commit to a Balanced Growth Model 

The Plan should formally adopt a target of approximately 50% greenfield and 50% infill development to meet projected housing demand and for it to be simultaneous.

4. Plan Beyond the Eight-Year Cycle 

Although Community Plans are reviewed every eight years, responsible planning requires a longer-term perspective. As part of the public engagement process for the new Plan, residents have been asked to describe their hopes for Yellowknife over the next 25 years. The Community Plan should provide guidance aligned with that same long-term horizon, outlining how and where the City intends to grow and evolve well beyond the initial eight-year cycle.