Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
There is no shortage of issues in the 2012 municipal election campaign but some are at the forefront.

Last month, Yellowknife sent four questions concerning affordable housing, the city's geothermal/district energy project, downtown revitalization, and tax rates to the three mayoral and 12 city council candidates running in this year's election. Below are their responses.

Please visit www.nnsl.com/yellowknifer to view candidates' video interviews with Yellowknifer, election polls, and other discussions and stories on the 2012 municipal election.

City council candidates

Rebecca Alty

Are you content with present tax and user fee levels and increases, or do you think cuts can be made?

Maintaining quality services, programs and facilities plays a very large role in the quality of life and retention of residents. Tax increases should not be made without a full evaluation and should be in line with the cost of living. When making all decisions, we need to ensure that we are being fiscally responsible and providing quality services to all residents. To ensure this, we need to evaluate our programs and services to make sure that they are being delivered efficiently. The first major task of the new council will be to review and establish the budget for 2013. I will bring a fair, critical and open mind to that process.

Do you think the city has a role to play in affordable housing? And if so, how?

The city's control over zoning, its ability to create incentives for developers, and its land ownership, make it a key player in affordable housing. Yellowknife has market housing and social housing but what's still required are units in between. Approximately 50 per cent of Yellowknife's population can afford to enter Yellowknife's housing market. At the low end of the income scale there is social housing (although limited) operated by the GNWT and NGOs. The in-between families earning $40,000 to $100,000 would be the target group for non-market housing. Building on the city's Affordable Housing Strategy, we need to continue to develop initiatives for non-market housing, implementing tools such as: inclusionary zoning; density bonusing; secondary suites; resale and rental price restrictions; and partnerships for affordable housing.

How does the city revitalize the downtown core?

Downtown core revitalization requires continued infill development, ongoing beautification and a focus on mental health and addictions issues. Increasing housing by infill and mixed use developments makes the downtown more vibrant. Streetscaping and facade improvement grants to businesses are two initiatives the city needs to continue to support. By beautifying an area, such as the creation of Somba K'e Civic Plaza, you can revitalize a place and make it a space residents embrace and enjoy.

To help address the mental health and addictions issues downtown, the city needs to work with federal and territorial departments and NGOs to find meaningful solutions - whether it's developing permanent funding for a day shelter with proper services or another program that's been deemed a success in a similar environment. We need to have a meaningful, co-ordinated approach to build a strong and vibrant community for all residents.

District heating/Geothermal project - Do you support continuing ahead with this project to heat downtown buildings?

I support renewable and alternative energy solutions because they can reduce our high cost of living and are more environmentally sustainable. But I also firmly believe in fiscal responsibility, so the Con Mine energy project needs to be feasible. If there is a long-term economic case to be made, I support this project; if the dollars and cents aren't there, I think we need to support private and public facilities that are pursuing biomass options (such as pellet boilers) and start looking at how we can further encourage this, and how we as a city hall can do better at using these energy sources ourselves.

Adrian Bell

Are you content with present tax and user fee levels and increases, or do you think cuts can be made?

I'm not content and I believe cuts can be made. Between 2005 and 2011, our city's population grew by only 1 per cent, but city spending grew by 83 per cent. Rather than trying to reduce spending, council just keeps approving tax increases - we've had eight in a row now. Whether you're a homeowner or renter, higher property tax means a higher cost of living. I find it frustrating that, despite their commitment to making life in Yellowknife more affordable, most councillors ignore the one aspect of our cost of living that they have control over. If elected, I will make scrutiny of city spending my number one priority. I will work with concerned residents to form a ratepayers association. This association will follow in the footsteps of ratepayers groups across Canada, analyzing city spending, comparing our budget to other cities, and sharing the results of all research with city council and the public.

Do you think the city has a role to play in affordable housing? And if so, how?

I'll start by saying that I don't support the idea of the city actively constructing, managing, or subsidizing the construction of public housing. This is a territorial government responsibility and they must be pressured to do a better job. Just as we wouldn't spend city taxpayers' money building a hospital, we must stick to our mandate and leave public housing to the GNWT. That said, there is a lot we can do to lower the cost of housing. The city has traditionally been too slow to make vacant lots available to the public and to developers. Nothing has more potential to lower rents than the construction of new apartments and condos. More vacant apartments means landlords have to compete for tenants - they have to lower rents. And for those who don't want to live in apartments, the city must make less expensive (i.e. less rocky) lots available for detached homes.

How does the city revitalize the downtown core?

I grew up downtown and I owned a business on Franklin Avenue for 12 years, so I have always been passionate about this issue. Although parts of the downtown are looking better than they were a decade ago, many of the same old problems are still with us. Some are far worse. If elected, I will lobby the GNWT to build a treatment centre in Yellowknife. But lobbying other levels of government is not direct action, and it isn't enough. Let's also pursue solutions that are within council's direct control. For example, if we want to lure shoppers downtown, let's offer free two-hour parking on Franklin Avenue. Let's narrow the focus of the facade improvement subsidy to Franklin Avenue, where it will make a visible difference. And let's empower businesses and other concerned organizations by creating a business improvement zone on Franklin Avenue.

District heating/Geothermal project - Do you support continuing ahead with this project to heat downtown buildings?

In principle, I'm a big fan of district heating and using cheap geothermal heat, but not at any cost and not unless the benefits flow to all those who take on the risks. I think the referendum turned out the way it did because the city, rushed by the grant deadline, didn't have enough proof of the geothermal potential of the mine. When it comes to infrastructure projects and public debt, residents rightly have a low tolerance for risk and uncertainty.

The fact that the vote was as close as it was, despite the uncertainty, speaks to Yellowknifers' commitment to improving our energy efficiency. I can't take a position on pursuing this project yet, because too little information has been made available since city hall began pursuing the private model. I can promise that, if elected, I will approach the project with healthy skepticism, rather than blind commitment or opposition.

Bob Brooks

Are you content with present tax and user fee levels and increases, or do you think cuts can be made?

No and yes - I would love to say no more tax increases, however, due to inflationary pressures, that solution would not only be unrealistic, it would also cause services to be cancelled and infrastructure to fail!

You can, however, achieve a zero per cent tax increase with positive assessment growth and becoming more efficient and innovative, i.e. the city has been able to save hundreds of thousands by switching some facilities to biomass; more residences in the downtown core could save hundreds of thousands of O&M (operations and maintenance) dollars because more residences sharing the infrastructure that is already in place, means less costs per resident, etc.

Can the city be more efficient? Yes, everyone can. Can we get more residents in the downtown core? Yes, there are more incentives in place now and further recommendations to be implemented out of the Smart Growth Plan but much more can also be done.

Do you think the city has a role to play in affordable housing? And if so, how?

Absolutely! Now that more lands are being released to the city for growth, the city can make lands and lots available to developers and residents (respectively) that will help to ensure more options for housing (of all types).

In the next three years alone, we'll see at least 900 new units (that have already applied for permits). More units will help relieve the costs pressures that the lack of unit availability causes.

The city can also look at the types of units (especially the smaller and more energy efficient models) that the city is already in discussion with developers on.

The city also works in co-operation with organizations like the NWT Housing Corporation and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, on incentives and programs that help provide more affordable housing options for residents. And work with organizations such as the Salvation Army and the Yellowknife Homeless Coalition to help house the homeless.

How does the city revitalize the downtown core?

Through the extensive public consultations, the city recently adopted the Smart Growth Implementation Plan, which I currently chair. Revitalization of the downtown core was one of the major focuses of the plan, and out of that plan came 15 specific recommendations to help revitalize the downtown core. Action items that deal with:

Increased residential growth in the downtown

Parking

Public spaces

Streetscaping and facade improvement

Density and central heating options

High efficiency options

Pedestrian and cycling corridors

Outdoor amenity spaces, and more

What's important to remember, is that there is no one "silver bullet" answer! Downtown revitalization will take many, many initiatives toward a co-ordinated and concentrated goal, working with many parties. In this next term, it is my intention to make downtown revitalization my very top priority. I'm counting on residents to continue to send me ideas and comments.

District heating/Geothermal project - Do you support continuing ahead with this project to heat downtown buildings?

I continue to be supportive as long as (and only as long as), the project that results from these studies, research and discussions turns out to be as optimistic as the initial reports say it will, and there is benefit to residents of Yellowknife!

It would be foolhardy and counterproductive to continue if we would ultimately not benefit!

Am I optimistic? Yes! Everything I've seen so far and the huge interest from outside corporations that would like to take part in this initiative suggest that it is well worth continuing to look into it until we have all the answers we need.

Additionally, and what is seldom referenced, is that it is not all about geothermal, it is also about biomass (wood chips). What combination, and in what combination with traditional fuels, makes that most sense? Which option gives us the best dollar value? Questions that still need to be answered.

Linda Bussey

Are you content with present tax and user fee levels and increases, or do you think cuts can be made?

Taxes and users fees are critical for any municipality in providing infrastructure, programs and service for residents. Tax dollars need be used as wisely and efficiently as possible, in order to maximize service delivery. As a new council member I would take the opportunity, as I hope would others, to review how taxes and user fees are assessed, the current and anticipated demands for those funds and how monies are allocated. Council members should then analyze whether changes are needed in any respect and how those changes could be implemented. I think that the new council should be responsible for such a review before making any decisions about increases or cuts to our taxes/user fees.

Do you think the city has a role to play in affordable housing? And if so, how?

Yes, the city should continue to work closely with different stakeholders, CHMC, the NWT Housing Corporation, non-government agencies, the private sector and residents to develop affordable housing initiatives.

The city's main role in promoting affordable housing is through zoning or, perhaps, re-zoning, and in ensuring, through consultation with stakeholders, that any new projects coming forward as affordable housing meet certain criteria to fulfill that claim, such as location, availability of necessary services, existing development, etc. As well, the city should continue to be involved in initiatives such as the Smart Growth Plan to help provide a far-reaching vision of what Yk could become.

How does the city revitalize the downtown core?

Much more thought and consultation needs to be done to make living/working/playing downtown a positive experience for all. We need to explore more seriously than we have been doing, ways to accommodate bicycles and increase the use of public transit, perhaps consider incentives for carpooling, since many Ykers consider downtown parking to be a huge issue. Empty lots like the one on the corner of 50 Street and Franklin beg for positive development! (Dare I suggest, affordable housing?) The city must continue to work with all levels of government, interested NGOs and the people that frequent the downtown, to ensure all residents feel safe and valued. Yellowknife needs to build a downtown that befits its capital city status, with eating establishments and galleries and performing arts spaces, where tourists and residents alike feel welcome whether they are toddlers, seniors or anyone in between. But to do that, we need a tool box of solutions; there is no one-size-fits-all, and we have to work together to find a vision we can all work toward.

District heating/Geothermal project - Do you support continuing ahead with this project to heat downtown buildings?

This project is a good example of what I have been hearing since I started my campaign, namely that the lack of communication between the city and its residents is an ongoing concern. Residents feel the city did not properly outline what is a fairly complicated issue and then failed to address the results of the plebiscite. The plebiscite only addressed one component, borrowing money, to complete the geothermal project but did not offer options. I think Yellowknifers, given the opportunity, would be very inclined to work with the city to find sustainable heating solutions that would benefit everyone. Perhaps the geothermal project can be a turning point; the message is clear, we should certainly move forward on investigating alternate sources of heat and energy but we need to work together to find and support a project that is financially and environmentally responsible and acceptable to the majority of Yellowknifers.

Niels Konge

Are you content with present tax and user fee levels and increases, or do you think cuts can be made?

No, I feel that eight years of tax increases, as well as user fee increases, business licence increases, building permit increases, development permit increases, tipping fee increases, swimming pass increases, that enough is enough. Through the economic downturn most businesses increased the level of service while doing their best to maintain pricing. The city appears to have decreased the level of service and increased the costs. I do believe that we can maintain our current level of tax and user fees for some time to come. Cuts could be made in some areas but without a majority will on council it will be very tough.

I will not vote "yes" to any tax increases in the first two years should I be elected. In the third year the numbers had better tell a very good story for me to agree to it.

Do you think the city has a role to play in affordable housing? And if so, how?

Yes. The city controls land costs, it controls taxes. Land costs I believe could be lower and taxes must stabilize. Also, the city must encourage new development. Currently, it seems that new development is tolerated but it must be encouraged. More housing will stabilize rents also, and give people more choice as to where to live.

How does the city revitalize the downtown core?

This needs to be a joint venture between businesses and the city. Again, if the city would encourage new development there could be more residences built in or near the downtown. The bylaws for parking should be revised, so that when a building like the Gallery building is built it does not require three homes to be torn down. Tearing down homes for parking does nothing to revitalize the city.

District heating/Geothermal project - Do you support continuing ahead with this project to heat downtown buildings?

No, in its current form it was rejected by the residents. If it makes sense for businesses then they will proceed with the project. If the businesses would like to proceed then the city should encourage it to happen, not throw up roadblocks.

Beaton MacKenzie

Did not answer questions.

Amanda Mallon

Are you content with present tax and user fee levels and increases, or do you think cuts can be made?

I feel it is time for us to consolidate our assets and demonstrate financial stability. We have completed a number of large projects - the Fieldhouse, landscaping on the Old Airport Road - a result of gas tax funding from the federal government. It is time to fix our failing infrastructure and work on our roads. I will be looking to the city to keep the needs of all residents as we move to more of a user fee system.

We need to be aware of the impacts on increased recreational fees on families and make sure access to the resources of this city is handled in a fair and equitable fashion.

I would like the city find a better way to engage residents in the budgeting process. If there are cuts that need to be made, residents have to have input and they are directly impacted by the process.

Do you think the city has a role to play in affordable housing? And if so, how?

City council has never addressed "affordable housing" as it is defined by the CMHC. Affordability comes up in debates around development and user fee charges and how they impact housing costs. Yellowknifers' incomes are wide ranging from some of the highest to the lowest in Canada. If city council is serious about providing affordable housing that meets the needs of Yellowknife residents, then it needs to address this directly in consultation with businesses, developers, organizations and the various orders of governments. There are numerous successful programs that can be used as models. Steps include: define affordable housing for Yellowknifers; review NWT legislation to ensure that any changes the city makes comply with the law - e.g. providing financial incentives, laws around disposal of lands; review and consider the impact of increasing development and planning fees and how they add costs to home buyers. Some municipalities waive these fees for low-income housing.

How does the city revitalize the downtown core?

Work on revitalizing downtown is underway. Improvements include: Somba K'e Park, the Greenstone building, new apartment buildings and condos, new businesses opening up, facade improvement, streetscaping, the eco-housing project on 48 Street, and great food trucks. The Smart Growth Implementation Committee, composed of residents representing the community, is working on a comprehensive revitalization plan for the downtown based on best practices from across Canada. There is a lot of work yet to be done and it is vital that our municipal government take the lead working closely with the community. Next steps will include a review of downtown parking, how to improve flow of vehicles (including bikes) and pedestrian traffic and finding a solution for 50 Street. Yellowknife needs a balance of affordable housing and housing for families, which means encouraging and maintaining a good supply of rental accommodation for people who work and live downtown.

District heating/Geothermal project - Do you support continuing ahead with this project to heat downtown buildings?

I support continuing investigation into an Integrated District Energy System (IDES) as a way of lowering the cost of living by maximizing and integrating existing and potential energy assets, including land, buildings, water and waste water, waste, and transportation. IDES can deliver clean energy at competitive rates to consumers, provide an appropriate return on investment to the utility owners, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy independence. There are working, sound business models to reference and replicate, including Vancouver, Calgary and Guelph. A comprehensive business case needs to be shared with Yellowknifers showing how all Yellowknifers can benefit from a district energy system. Learning how to get better at planning, deploying and integrating these separate infrastructures is the key to taking advantage of the opportunities as we begin the work on fixing our infrastructure in a way that makes better use of local resources such as Con Mine.

Ian Mathers

Are you content with present tax and user fee levels and increases, or do you think cuts can be made?

Recently, many of the user fees appear to have been increased arbitrarily, and without much justification. This may be a lack of clear communication from city hall. Most people in the city see user fees as just another name for tax increase. I think most of the fees should be examined and if there is no justification for the price, it should be revised to reflect the actual cost of administering or providing the service.

Do you think the city has a role to play in affordable housing? And if so, how?

I believe that the city does have a role to play by making it easier for developers to actually build affordable housing. The recent addition of requirements beyond the National Building Code for building envelope construction has added considerable cost to all projects in the city. A choice has to be made between environmental goals and providing reasonably priced housing. We are fortunate in this city to have a high proportion of well-paid positions, but we have to bear in mind that there are also essential jobs which pay far less, and in Yellowknife it is becoming more difficult to find accommodation at reasonable prices.

How does the city revitalize the downtown core?

The city has made some notable efforts to make the downtown core more pedestrian-friendly and is trying to lure businesses back to the downtown core. Most of the small businesses which were there in the 1980s and 1990s have downsized, relocated or closed. I believe that the increasing value of central business district property puts pressure on the owners to cover costs with higher rent. Higher density residential development could be encouraged in the peripheral areas of the downtown (pertaining to the question on affordable housing), but as the core evolves, it is likely that it will continue to tend toward office and commercial buildings.

District heating/Geothermal project - Do you support continuing ahead with this project to heat downtown buildings?

Following the plebiscite last year, the issue should have been settled. If the city can find a private company willing to invest in the project, that should be encouraged and welcomed. To determine the viability of heat recovery from Con Mine, I would propose a small scale effort where the low-grade heat could be used to advantage without supplementary heating as was included in the initial plan, i.e. biomass heat. One potential project could be a trial system using direct heat exchange at Pumphouse No. 1, located closer to the mine site. For most of the year, water from the Yellowknife River intake has to be heated, currently with oil-fired boilers from about 1 C to 4 C as it enters the water distribution system. If there is water - even at 20 C - available from the mine, it could replace the heating oil currently used and the saving would be immediate.

Phil Moon Son

Are you content with present tax and user fee levels and increases, or do you think cuts can be made?

Raising taxes year after year, especially during these economic times is not sustainable. The city needs to focus its energy and resources on the core services and improve them.

By focusing our energy we can achieve these improvements without raising taxes. These core services include roads, water, sewer, recreation facilities, safety and protection. My objective is to not raise taxes. Let's get back to basics and help lower our cost of living.

Do you think the city has a role to play in affordable housing? And if so, how?

City council has a role to play when addressing affordable housing and the high cost of living in Yellowknife. City council has many ways, directly and indirectly, to offset the increasingly high cost of housing. The current building permit process is restrictive for new construction and improvements. This drives up the overall construction costs and increases the cost of housing.

The city also needs to get out of the land development business and encourage local businesses to do what they do best. Finally, the city must sell land at the lowest cost possible.

If Yellowknife wants to create more affordable housing and lower the cost of living, then land needs to be sold at cost, and taxes and fees need to be kept low. All of these factors trickle down and impact the cost of housing.

How does the city revitalize the downtown core?

Rejuvenating the downtown core and improving the social issues are deeply connected. Over the years, businesses have left the downtown core for various reasons that range from lack of parking to safety concerns. More services and facilities need to be provided in the downtown area. We need to provide more parking for visitors and shoppers in the downtown core. Recognizing the impacts of social issues, the City of Yellowknife has a role to play in addressing them but we can't solve it alone. By partnering with other levels of government we can create a vibrant downtown once again.

District heating/Geothermal project - Do you support continuing ahead with this project to heat downtown buildings?

The results of the referendum clearly showed that the majority of Yellowknifers, and myself included, were not comfortable with how the city proposed the geothermal Con Mine project. Yet, the city continued to devote time, energy and resources to the project. I think district heating works and has huge benefits but using geothermal energy from Con Mine has some major risk factors. I think the people's democratic decision needs to be heard and respected and I would not support continuing to devote the time, energy and resources to the project. There are other areas we should be devoting our energy towards such as the poor conditions of our roads, aging infrastructure, or addressing some of the social issues around the city. I would consider proposals from privately led companies to develop this project but would not support taxpayers taking the risk.

Cory Vanthuyne

Are you content with present tax and user fee levels and increases, or do you think cuts can be made?

Taxes and user fees are directly tied to city spending. I have not supported the city's annual budget in the past three years because I do not agree with the current spending behavior and lack of process to determine priorities.

I can't approve $500,000-plus dollars for the "preservation" of the Wildcat Cafe without meaningful consultation with citizens and council about the future of the building.

I can't approve a $20 million loan to replace aging infrastructure when the city is purchasing $10,000 laptops to install in municipal enforcement vehicles. That's the kind of dysfunctional spending that got us into the $70 million infrastructure deficit to begin with.

I will encourage councillors to support the development of a "priorities" framework that will incorporate sustainable development principles into city hall's decisions and actions.

I will also support a ratepayers association to keep Yellowknifers informed on city spending.

Do you think the city has a role to play in affordable housing? And if so, how?

The city has many important roles to play in making housing affordable. Streamline development and building permit processes and not allow senseless regulation to creep into the development bylaw. This will reduce costs to builders and developers and ultimately homeowners.

Develop policy that supports diversity and an assortment of housing developments. This will bring options and choice to citizens and will also bring a variety of price points to suit varying income levels.

Support the eco-housing project so that the "energy efficiency" features can be observed and monitored over time for effectiveness. That way we learn which features worked and which didn't. Homeowners and developers can then start to incorporate features into the construction of their homes and reduce operating costs.

Work with the GNWT to expand upon home ownership programs that will support suitable and adequate housing for seniors, people with physical disabilities and lower income families.

How does the city revitalize the downtown core?

We are currently investing in streetscaping and beautification programs as well as facade improvements, artistic murals and litter reduction programs.

That said, I believe it will take a much more aggressive approach to bring people and businesses back to downtown. One such endeavour I have and will continue to support is the purchase of attainable properties in the downtown through resources within the city's land fund. It is not uncommon for municipalities to acquire land or property throughout their respective cities to initiate redevelopment programs that support new beginnings. I know that most people will agree that certain aspects of the downtown have disintegrated significantly over time and are in need of major change. Redevelopment of the Gold Range street can be done in a collaborative manner that will respect current business, protect and promote our culture and history and yet set a new path for our future.

District heating/Geothermal project - Do you support continuing ahead with this project to heat downtown buildings?

What would life be like if we didn't have to rely heavily on expensive fossil fuels to support our very "being" in the North?

I will continue to support the concept of the district energy system, however, that support comes with a few clauses attached to it. First, the city must keep its hands clear and free of any financial contribution to the project. All risk for development and operation to be had by Corix (if they have continued interest in being a partner). Secondly, use the $14 million the federal government was/is supposed to contribute to the project to test the ground source heat. Design a pilot project to see if in fact it works.

Lastly, I will not support a bylaw forcing mandatory hookup to be a requirement. There has to be "buy in" from all the owners of the 39 buildings identified for heating services.

Dan Wong

Are you content with present tax and user fee levels and increases, or do you think cuts can be made?

Property taxes and user fees finance our programs and services. Deep cuts will impact: dust control and street sweeping, road repair, snow removal, sanitation, emergency services, new business marketing, Ruth Inch Memorial Pool programs, maintenance of parks, street lighting, funding to community groups, and development and enhancement of the city profile.

To justify our tax levels we need value for taxpayer dollars. I am committed to providing quality infrastructure for residents by getting back to the basics and fixing our streets!

At the same time, the city should not try and do everything for everybody. How can a new councillor most effectively make responsible decisions with your money? Fiscal responsibility means tax targets for the city administrators. I will allow those with the best information and experience decide how and where to prioritize spending by imposing a target for the overall budget.

Do you think the city has a role to play in affordable housing? And if so, how?

Yes, I'm prepared to take the bold steps needed to follow through with innovative proposals to create more affordable housing choices in Yellowknife.

For example, the galloping price of electricity, home heating oil, and propane add to the frustrating cost of living for Yellowknife's renters and homeowners. The city should reduce energy costs for Yellowknifers by securing long-term financing for an energy efficiency fund up to $10,000 per household that will cover the upfront capital costs of an energy efficiency retrofit including, a new pellet stove, better insulated walls, windows, doors, or more efficient furnaces.

The loan for the energy-efficient retrofit will be fixed to the property as a local improvement charge. It will be paid back to the city by the homeowner using the immediate savings from utility bills - all the while reducing the long-term utility cost and adding equity to the home, without stressing the pocket book.

How does the city revitalize the downtown core?

Downtown improvement is my top priority. Improvement means focusing on the ideas we know will work. I support the Dene Ko Day Shelter because it addresses the core downtown issues: people with no homes, people who abuse substances, people with mental health conditions, and people in crisis.

The shoestring budget for the Dene Ko Day Shelter is set to expire in March 2013. I have a vision for the City of Yellowknife to actively participate in negotiating robust and long-term financial stability for the shelter as a partner, leader, researcher, planner and advocate on this and the broader issue of downtown social problems.

I will work tirelessly to bring together the right funding partners to make this vision a reality: Yellowknife Health and Social Services Agency, BHP Billiton, and downtown businesses. I know I can rely on my relationship-building abilities to find a collaborative funding solution.

District heating/Geothermal project - Do you support continuing ahead with this project to heat downtown buildings?

As someone who has worked and studied in the field of climate change policy for the last seven years, I know our city is ready to lead the Northwest Territories down the path to a sustainable North.

I am supportive of the district heating geothermal project on two conditions: 1) It is tax-neutral. The project must not draw any funding from other critical infrastructure needs - this has been the case to date, and 2) that a deal can be struck with buyers for the heat confirming commitment from a customer-base. This will ensure the project has a strong business-case going forward.

Lydia Bardak

Are you content with present tax and user fee levels and increases, or do you think cuts can be made?

I do not know anyone who likes tax increases (myself included), but the reality is that we are working to keep up with rising costs that are outside of council control ... heating oil, fuel, wage and salary costs, to name a few.

Like all citizens, the city must cope with rising costs and so we look for affordable alternatives such as the pellet boiler heat in many community facilities that has reduced our costs. We can continue to search for new technologies and efficiencies to make life affordable (whoa, did I just sound like former councillor Dave McCann?)

Do you think the city has a role to play in affordable housing? And if so, how?

Certainly! Through zoning and recommendations on density together with infill and encouraging the development of under-used lots, and through tax abatements for residential intensification.

How does the city revitalize the downtown core?

If this question refers to how the city does revitalize then I would say the downtown facade improvement fund, the outdoor art program and streetscaping are some of the ways the downtown has been revitalized. Flowers, planters, street furniture and street-cleaning is also helping.

If this question is asking how the city can revitalize, then incentives for small businesses to locate downtown and recommendations in the General Plan and Smart Growth Development Plan demonstrate a commitment to a dynamic downtown.

More people living and playing downtown is what we need, not just working during the day. Residential intensification, green spaces, and an above-ground parking structure are all in the plan as we move forward.

And the city can work with other orders of government, the non-government sector and the business community to work on solutions to the very complex social issues that have so many citizens concerned.

District heating/Geothermal project - Do you support continuing ahead with this project to heat downtown buildings?

I support continued investigation into the viability of district heating because it has shown so much promise and because our Community Energy Plan has helped Yellowknife to be recognized as one of Canada's most sustainable small cities for the past three years.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.