Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The city is closer to the rehabilitation of existing roadways after choosing an engineering firm for the much anticipated 2009-2010 paving program.

FSC Architects and Engineers submitted a proposal along with one other firm, Dillon Consulting.

While FSC was announced as the preferred firm during Monday's Priorities, Policies and Budget Committee meeting - based on the highest rating among a number of criteria - city council must still approve the proposal at next Monday night's council meeting.

While councillors did not express any initial disagreement over the choice, Coun. David Wind did have one question about each company's ownership.

"Is (it) in Yellowknife?" he asked, also referring to the three firms who bid for the city's 2009-2010 water and sewer upgrade program.

While public works director Dennis Kefalas could not confirm whether ownership for each company lay in the city, he did say all firms have offices located in Yellowknife - and local workers would benefit.

Parts of four roads are up for revamping in 2009 at an approximate construction value of $2.4 million if the program goes forward: Finlayson Drive, Kam Lake Road, Old Airport Road and 50 Street.

50 Street makeover

Smart Growth Committee members provided Municipal Services Committee members with an update Monday on the streetscaping project set for 50 Street.

The plan, so far, is to include new lighting, sidewalk treatment, landscape features and street furniture.

One councillor had more than the revamping of streets in mind, however.

Coun. Lydia Bardak asked whether the new lighting could extend to the alleyways of 50 Street.

"(I've had) a number of parents looking for children discover how dark it is back there," she said.

While Mayor Gord Van Tighem joked the project was set for the street - and not its alleyways - Jeff Humble, director of planning and lands, said the city could look at the issue.

United Way kickoff at city hall a dud

One lonely platter of cookies was in attendance at a United Way campaign kickoff at city hall on Monday after no one showed up.

Coun. Lydia Bardak rushed from the building's lower boardroom to city hall's upper foyer after an in-camera meeting ran late to make an announcement - only to find no one there.

The plan was to launch the campaign in tandem with the launch at the legislative assembly, she said.

It wasn't a complete loss, however. The platter of cookies was eventually brought down to the Municipal Services Committee meeting as a snack.