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?

• Secure commitments from the federal government to ensure all money that can stay in the north does
• Approve an updated Procurement Policy that will take advantage of the enormous economic opportunities so benefits go to northern businesses, Indigenous Governments, and ultimately residents of the north
• Continue to advocate for financial support so that small and northern businesses have the capacity and know-how to bid on upcoming opportunities
• Create the necessary partnerships with Indigenous Governments and their development corporations
• Continue its advocacy to the territorial government for the transfer of land to allow the City to develop in a way that meets the needs of residents
• Simplify the building and permitting process at City Hall so that more housing can be developed faster and so there are places for current members of the community and the forthcoming workforce to stay

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?

The City can and should support more presence (vs. prosecution) in the downtown core through: the annual approval of MED’s priorities, and continuing to scope and fund outreach programs so they continue to have a foot patrol component.

It's important to ensure the City follows through on its commitment to establish a BID to collect the voices and concerns of the business community and continues the initiative of bringing the business community together through the Downtown Safety Initiative to discuss the challenges and solutions to identify a reasonable and collective path forward, including the implementation of the GNWT’s Trespassing Act. It's also critical to work with the NFP community on alignment of programs and services, especially with the upcoming opening of the Wellness and Recovery Centre to avoid duplication and ensure that we are using the available resources in the most effective way possible.

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?

We’ve seen this play out over the last few years with residents highlighting the importance of green spaces, and unfortunately the first two infill opportunities that were brought forward to Council were in more contentious locations and not the low-hanging fruit we had hoped for. A Community Plan that is accessible, clear, and succinct, and that clearly lays out the vision for long-term growth is needed.

Land sequencing to ensure areas such as Frame Lake West and Niven are developed first, with other areas that are currently used as parks or recreation areas being at the end of the list as they should never be developed IF there are other options available and in case the predicted population growth doesn’t materialize.

I would never support the development of a park if there were other options available, and I recognize that the City needs to improve its ability to convey to residents accurate information about the reality of the land transfer process from the GNWT, what options are actually available, and what areas are not on the table and why

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?

The City recently approved a Major Projects Secretariat to ensure that it has the capacity and expertise in place to maximize opportunities related to federal defence initiatives. Please also see responses above to question #1, as they are appropriate in response to this question as well.