Mayor meets with business community
City and chamber work well together: president
Daron Letts
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, February 19, 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A sold-out audience comprised of members of the local business community filled the Katimivik B Room in The Explorer Hotel on Thursday to hear the mayor's annual state of the city address.
Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce president Jason McEvoy, left, chamber executive director Deneen Everett and Mayor Mark Heyck meet at the chamber luncheon at The Explorer Hotel on Thursday. Heyck addressed more than 100 chamber members at the sold-out event. - photo courtesy of AnnMarie Houghton |
Mayor Mark Heyck offered a lot of positive news for the business community, according to chamber president Jason McEvoy.
"The feedback that we have received was enthusiastic," McEvoy said. "Mark is such an engaging speaker and it was such a good presentation - it was all very positive."
Past and ongoing initiatives that were highlighted in the mayor's address earned accolades from the chamber, he added.
"Some positives that we took, for sure, were the streamlining of the business licensing and more of the online application route the city is taking and their continued commitment toward ease of doing business and getting people into business," he said.
The city launched its CityView system, a web-based tool through which residents can apply for development permits and building inspections online, in late October.
Another positive point raised by the mayor, according to McEvoy, was the city's ongoing commitment to revitalize the downtown for residents and businesses.
"While there was no formal 50th Street revitalization plan presented, I know that they're working on some things," McEvoy said.
"I know they've engaged with somewhere between 80 and 100 stakeholders in the area, including ourselves. They have some ideas and we're excited to see what comes out of that."
Chamber executive director Deneen Everett said she was pleased by the mayor's commitment to promoting Yellowknife for potential residents and tourists, particularly through social media.
"The YouTube videos were absolutely fantastic," she said, referring to a series of four promotional videos showcasing life in Yellowknife produced by the Artless Collective on contract for the city. "I thought they were absolutely fantastic - a great way to recruit potential employees and residents to Yellowknife."
Everett, who moved north from Alberta earlier this year to take the job as executive director, is evidence that Yellowknife's positive message and attractive image is getting through in the south, McEvoy said.
"The promotional campaign that the city has done is fantastic and it's made a difference," McEvoy said.
"Yellowknife definitely lives up to the billing."
The city has contracted Chemistry Consulting Group to continue to promote Yellowknife as an attractive place to live, work and visit.
The mayor pledged to continue a partnership with the chamber to encourage residents to shop local, a campaign launched last holiday season. The partnership between the city and the chamber will continue with a summer shopping campaign, Everett said.
Future initiatives broached in the mayor's speech, such as a commitment to reduce energy costs, were also well received, McEvoy said.
Booths for the chamber's annual spring trade show, scheduled to run in the Multiplex on May 10 and 11, are more than half sold, Everett said.
Northwestel will be the host of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce's latest Business After Hours event on Feb. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at their office at 5120 49 Street. Chamber members wishing to attend can register by contacting the chamber by e-mail.
The chamber plans to publish the first edition of its online newsletter by the end of the month, Everett said.
Mayor's state of the city address by the numbers
Value of Commercial Construction in 2013:
$71,168,795 (49 per cent increase over 2012)
Value of residential construction in 2013:
$32,466,350 (52 per cent increase over 2012)
Tax growth
2014 municipal budget forecasts 2.2 per cent growth in tax base
2014 budget response to infrastructure deficit:
Road rehabilitation: $3.15 million
Water and sewer: $13.822 million
Source: City of Yellowknife
