The two city councils are squaring off this week by either walking, cycling or carpooling. The council competition is a part of a larger national event, the 2009 Commuter Challenge, which encourages people to leave their vehicles at home when going to work.

"I think we have an advantage in our size," said Falvo.

"Being such a compact city it makes it easier to walk and cycle. We're not too mountainous here."

Falvo said not much planning went into their participation, mostly because commuting is already a huge part of council's daily lives.

"Other than a couple e-mails going around we haven't put our heads together," he said. "I felt confident about it and I think the mayor as well because we already know most, if not all, are commuting in a responsible way, using human power to get to and from."

Falvo called Van Tighem a "classic car guy" but the mayor is leaving his keys and driving gloves at home in favor of his walking shoes and bicycle helmet.

"I've been carpooling and walking," he said. "I'm getting air pumped into tires of a bicycle to try that and then there is the bus. I'm going to try to do it all."

Van Tighem said he figured Yellowknife council will win the challenge because all council members agreed to participate.

The commuter challenge takes place between workplaces and communities across Canada to see who has the highest participation rates during the week. By recording their participation online, Canadians are able to see how their healthier commutes affect greenhouse gas reduction by tracking the kilometres travelled.

Besides Yellowknife city council, ten other city businesses and organizations are participating in the week long event, including Northwestel, Dillon Consulting and Stantec. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the RCMP boast the two biggest teams with 200 and 215 members, respectively.

"It just confirms what we already know that people here are very interested in the economic, environmental and health benefits of walking, biking and other forms of getting around," said Falvo.

"As soon as the sun hits we love to get outdoors, but even in the winter we are able to take it."