Yellowknife (Apr 04/05) - Residents of Yellowknife will likely get their first glimpse into the future of the city's parks and trail systems later this month.

The first draft of a study that may guide the city in development of green spaces is now in the hands of Yellowknife councillors.

Parks, trails and other green spaces are a big concern for many Yellowknife residents. Rita Schwartz and son Kyle enjoy an afternoon stroll around Niven Lake. - Lisa Scott/NNSL photo

A table of recommendations was presented to councillors at a committee meeting March 29 by Nalini Naidoo of Dillon Consulting Ltd.

The Integrated Parks, Trails and Open Spaces study contains about 25 recommendations, maps, a background report and a proposed budget for implementation.

"If council were to follow up on a lot of these recommendations, then we would have a real park and trails system we can be proud of," said councillor Mark Heyck.

Heyck, a strong supporter of keeping as many green spaces in the city as possible, said the study outlines ecologically sensitive areas and areas the public would like preserved.

For a council that is constantly facing decisions on development within the city, the concrete information will be useful, he said.

Million-acre green space

Councillor Alan Woytuik hadn't had time to look over the draft but hoped the city would continue to have a reasonable mix of development and green space.

"Although we do have to have green space, we have to realize we're in the middle of a million square acres of green space here. We do have to be reasonable about it," he said last week.

Green space does cost more, said Woytuik, adding that a lot of people don't understand that fact.

Councillor Kevin O'Reilly hopes the report will alleviate the dissatisfaction of Yellowknife residents over city planning and development.

"There's been a lot of concern expressed from the community about green space and trails," he said.

Council and city administration will provide feedback on the draft to Dillon Consulting in the next week, according to Grant White, director of community services.

A scheduled April 13 public meeting to release the study and its recommendations is on hold, said White, but residents will get a look at it before the end of the month.

Off to committee

With city and public feedback completed, the draft will head to the committee and then to council by May, said White.

The city hired Dillon Consulting to undertake the Parks, Trails and Open Spaces study last fall.

The company has polled the public, community groups and trail and park users to determine a direction for developing parks and interconnected trails throughout the city.