Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 03/02) - City council is set to approve a new 15-year plan for Yellowknife's downtown core next month, and ideas vary on what first steps should be taken.

The City of Yellowknife Downtown Plan contains 36 recommendations, with goals such as creating a downtown public market, planting more trees and developing a "theme" area which best illustrates the life and history of the city.

Such themes may include giving the downtown a look reminiscent of its gold mining roots, or paying tribute to the aboriginal cultures of the area.

The first thing that should be done once the plan is approved, said Coun. Ben McDonald, is follow administration's advice to form a committee to provide council with public input.

As far as general concerns go, however, McDonald would like assurances that the number of high rises and office towers built are limited.

"Once a building is up the damage is done," said McDonald, noting that a "wind tunnelling" effect due to a large concentration of tall buildings could make life miserable for Yellowknife residents in winter.

On the other hand, Coun. Blake Lyons said from what he has heard from developers, "it's easier to build up than out." Hindering developers from building office towers might send some packing, he said.

"Wind tunnelling can be a problem but there should be some balance between costs and aesthetics," said Lyons.

Both councillors Dave McCann and Dave Ramsay think the first priority should be getting the downtown core cleaned up before moving onto major theme oriented projects.

A litter-free downtown will go along way towards encouraging businesses to buy into the plan, and bring local shoppers and tourists back in as well, they say.

"Those things might be there later on, but my main priority is to see the town clean," said McCann.

At least some of the problems could be remedied if the city were to hire a full-time street-cleaner, said Ramsay.

"The guys we got are good but they don't actually pick up the garbage," said Ramsay.

The plan calls for matching grants for up to $7,500 to downtown businesses who improve store front appearances.

As far as Coun. Wendy Bisaro is concerned, the greener the better. "I think we should continue with the greening and the beautification of downtown." Besides more trees, Bisaro thinks it's time the city re-erects the downtown Christmas tree during the holiday season.

One thing she remains unsure of is the facade improvement plan. Even though businesses may be eligible for grant money, Bisaro is uncertain downtown businesses will go along with it.

"One contentious thing is the street facade," said Bisaro. "I'm not sure if businesses will go for that."

Coun. Robert Hawkins is all for the facade program. The more art, colour, and ambience to the downtown core the better.

"I really wish we had a scene. Whitehorse has a scene," said Hawkins, referring to our neighbour's emphasis on its Klondike past. "Why don't we put some art downtown?"

Coun. Alan Woytiuk, who has business interests downtown, will be staying out of council discussion on the plan.