Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Friday, April 20, 2007

FORT SIMPSON - Wendy and Kirby Groat have withdrawn their application for commercial zoning.

The Groats originally applied to re-zone lots 174, 175 and 176 on Antoine Drive from residential to commercial so they could build a five-suite rental unit. A number of residents wrote letters opposing the change.

At the April 16 council meeting, the Groats said that the re-zoning isn't necessary because they'll be living in the building, which will make it compliant with residential zoning requirements.

The Groats have asked council for a discretionary use of lot 175, where Deh Cho Suites is located, as a room and boarding house so it continues to comply with residential zoning.

Fire hall construction

Rowe's Construction has tentatively been awarded the bid for construction of the fire hall addition if they comply with the surety bonds, said Mayor Duncan Canvin.

Housing locations

Council members are questioning a request from the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

The village has received requests from Anita Villeneuve, with the Housing Corporation, for assistance in finding suitable lots in the community on which to construct units.

"They seem to want to put the onus on us to develop land," said Mayor Duncan Canvin.

The village has given the corporation several suggestions on where they could build but they have ignored many of them, said Canvin. An offer will be extended for officials to meet with the council to discuss the issue.

"We should definitely try to get something working," Canvin said.

Policy reviewed

Council is reviewing their local purchasing policy.

The policy allows the village to make a 20 per cent adjustment to bid prices submitted by local businesses.

Coun. Tom Wilson said he remembers being on council when the policy was put in place. At the time councillors realized the village would end up paying more for contracts but thought having local businesses paying taxes would offset the cost.

Coun. Candy Brown spoke in favour of keeping the policy.

"Our local economy benefits with this in place," said Brown.

A letter will be sent to the Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce asking if they think the policy should be kept in place.

Heating discrepancy

A contract submitted by the Department of Public Works and Services doesn't reflect agreements made during a discussion, said Mayor Duncan Canvin.

The current contract for the purchase of heat from the steam plant for the recreation centre expired at the end of March. In discussions, David Waite, the senior projects manager with the department, said they could give the village free heat until the plant is decommissioned in September 2008, said Canvin.

The freed money was to be used for the village's Green Plan. The department has now offered to extend the existing contract for one year at the rate of $50,000.

"I'm really taken aback that he wants $50,000 from us," said Canvin.

One-rate zone sought

Mayor Duncan Canvin and one councillor will be attending the NWT Association of Communities annual general meeting to press for a one-rate zone for electricity.

The village will endorse a resolution to have the association advise the GNWT to ask the Northwest Territories Power Corporation for a one-rate zone based on Fort Smith's rates.

The change would significantly lower the price of electricity for Fort Simpson, said Canvin.

"It's been a long standing issue," said Coun. Tom Wilson.

Because this is an election year for the territorial government, officials might be willing to make the promise for a one-rate zone, Wilson said.

Dog allowance increase

Coun. Bob Hanna voted against the third reading to amend the bylaw for control and licensing of dogs. In addition to increasing the rates for seizure and impoundment, the amendment increased the number of dogs a person can own from two to three.

"I'm definitely opposed to that three dogs," said Hanna.

Hanna said that the village has a dog problem that hasn't gotten any better. Dog ownership should be reduced to one, said Hanna. The amendment was still passed by council.

Concerns about loose dogs were raised again under councillor issues and concerns. Canvin said the bylaw officer would be directed to deal with the problem.