Yellowknife (Apr 07/06) - Senior administrative officer Gary Black reported that last week the village had to redeem a GIC (guaranteed investment certificate) worth $459,225 to bring finances into the black.

The village has gone over its $300,000 line of credit with CIBC twice in the past nine weeks. Last week it was at $439,000.

"I'm told to some extent this happens every year, but not as badly as this," said Black.

Mayor Duncan Canvin said council is working to get a handle on the situation and bring the village back into a positive cash situation. The problem has come from having little incoming cash flow, coupled with an increase in expenditures such as electricity and fuel bills.

The GIC was a reserve created by the previous council to be used for operational purposes like this, said Canvin.

Information age

Council is considering updating Fort Simpson's website.

Not a lot has changed on the site since it was commissioned two and a half years ago, said Mayor Duncan Canvin.

Canvin would like to see some local culture highlighted on the site and hopes to speak with Liidlii Kue First Nations Chief Keyna Norwegian and Fort Simpson Metis Nation President Marie Lafferty about possibilities.

Coun. Tom Wilson suggested that more photos are needed of both Fort Simpson's past and present.

Coun. Bob Hanna cautioned about making the site too large.

"We don't want to put a whole book on there," said Hanna.

Environmentally friendly

John Hazenberg made a presentation to council concerning an opportunity presented by Ecology North.

Ecology North is looking for a community outside of Yellowknife to participate in a program to increase awareness of climate change and increase the capacity to provide greenhouse gas and waste reduction programs, said Hazenberg.

"I think it could be very successful," Hazenberg said.

Coun. Tom Wilson asked if Hazenberg had approached the band and the Metis Nation.

"It would be nice if we had the two groups on side," said Wilson.

Hazenberg agreed that broad-based support would be needed for the initiative.

Dogs be warned

A revised notice about the emergency dog control measures will be posted in the village this week.

The new wording states that the program makes it possible for the dog officer to destroy loose dogs as felt necessary to protect residents. Dogs "may be" immediately destroyed.

"I still have an issue with the until further notice clause," said Coun. David Wright.

Wright said the emergency measure simply gets around the bylaw and could be left in place forever.with Roxanna Thompson