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Council briefs Fieldhouse needs ice packs: Dan Wong Lyndsay Herman Northern News Services Published Friday, May 17, 2013 Wong recounted how a player injured an ankle during a Yellowknife Ultimate Frisbee league game on Sunday and when fellow players requested an ice pack from the office, they were told the Fieldhouse no longer supplies them.
The rationale the players were given was that many people didn't return the store-bought, reusable ice packs and the cost of continually buying them got too high, Wong said.
He asked city administration if there was a will to acquire three small, Energy Star freezers to store ice, which would cost an estimated $200 each.
"I've already secured sponsorship from the community to donate a couple of ice cube trays and some plastic Ziplock bags, as long as administration can have a commitment to keep a supply of ice packs on hand," said Wong.
Community services director Grant White said administration would look into the situation and report back.
Council may ease restrictions on home rental units
Homeowners looking to make a little more income on secondary rental suites on their properties may be catching a break before long if city council approves a memorandum presented to them during Monday's municipal services committee.
The presentation introduced possible changes to two bylaws, which would make it easier for homeowners to build and rent out secondary suites, particularly with fire safety regulations.
The proposed changes would require homeowners to either install sprinkler systems or use materials and building techniques that would delay a fire spreading from one unit to the other by 90 minutes.
Currently, city regulations require both a 45-minute fire delay fire retardant and sprinkler system, which goes above and beyond the National Building Code.
"I am happy to see that contractors and homeowners alike are going to be getting more options," said city councillor Niels Konge.
"I would actually like to see (a sprinkler system and fire delay requirement) stricken from our current bylaw and since it's something we're looking at in this amendment, I hope that is something we can look at. I believe that the National Building Code is sufficient."
With council's approval, administration will take the plan to the public.
The changes would only affect lots zoned for single detached and duplex dwellings.
"We always have a very tight rental market and that is essentially what secondary suites are, rental properties," said Mayor Mark Heyck. "So we feel if we can encourage that type of development it may ease pressure on the rental market and help control the cost of rent."
Rezoning on Pilot's Monument
Taking a step forward on the City of Yellowknife's Harbour Plan, council voted unanimously Monday night in favour of rezoning an area adjacent to Pilot's Monument to Parks and Recreation from Old Town Mix.
The change allows council to make additions to the area not otherwise possible, said Mayor Mark Heyck.
City administration will now take the plan back to public consultation for input.
The current conceptual plan prioritizes keeping laneways open, will add a playground, and will see the construction of a ramp with vista viewing for those who are unable to use the stairs, among other additions.
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