For better or worse, we live in a capitalist society, one in which property defines our rights and responsibilities.

Without lines to separate one property from another, the system would quickly fall apart.

So we can see why the city is keen to enforce property lines between businesses and between private and public properties.

But as noted in last week's Yellowknifer, more than one business has adapted to a lax municipal enforcement regime that for decades turned a blind eye to minor violations of those lines.

Is it fair to expect business owners to accommodate what is clearly a newfound interest in property boundaries?

In a word, no.

A reasonable response would be a grace period to give the owners time to squeeze back into their own properties -- say a year or two?

As Yellowknife city council strikes a new committee to navel gaze about council pay and size, it's time to examine what civic government is all about.

First and foremost, it's about serving the community, ensuring your fellow citizens get the best government and services possible -- at tax rates we can afford.

It's not a make-work project for people with political aspirations.

When the five-member Council Structure and Remuneration Review Committee sits down to begin work, they would do well to think about that.

Right now, council is well paid. The mayor receives $82,983 in salary and allowances, while councillors get $13,725.

Of the nine positions, the only one that should be considered a job is that of mayor.

It's a demanding, full-time task that requires a person to be available almost every day of the year, attend countless meetings and functions, and represent the city on local, territorial, national and international levels. It's a job that must be well paid to attract top candidates.

Councillors, on the other hand, fulfill a different role. They are our eyes, ears and conscience. They must be in tune with the people's needs and provide the guidance the mayor and civic staff need to carry out their jobs.

They are there to serve the people: not supplement their income. Being a councillor is not a full-time job. The pay is an honorarium, a financial reward for service.

We can't afford to make it a full-time job.

As for discussion of council size? No-one's concerned that it's too big, or too small. Leave it alone.

It's a shame that such a worthy group as the Council for Disabled Persons is facing a $4,000 shortfall for its hugely successful summer camp program for kids with disabilities.

Despite last weekend's Abilities Cup fund-raiser bringing in a record $16,000 for the program, they're still scrambling to raise enough to pay their counsellors.

The camp saw 16 kids get a chance to hike, canoe and mingle with non-disabled kids for two weeks last summer and went a long way in helping these children's long-term development.

So, what are you waiting for? Instead of that cold beer after work cough up some coin for the council. The camp is set to begin on July 3.

Editorial Comment
Malcolm Gorrill
Inuvik Drum

By all accounts the first Inuvik Petroleum Show was a resounding success.

Lots of interesting discussions were held about recent exploration activity in the region, as well as the work coming up. Also discussed was the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline, plus ways for local firms and communities to gain maximum benefits from the oil and gas activity.

Hundreds of people flocked to Inuvik for the event, thus infusing a lot of money into the community. Of more long term benefit from the show will be the ideas exchanged and friendships formed.

As was pointed out, there's still nothing quite like meeting someone face to face, especially when it comes to doing business.

Also, visitors to the area presumably left with a better understanding of the needs and concerns felt by people in the region.

One thing which was remarked upon by more than one person was the energy, and sense of optimism, felt among those taking part.

The event might also serve to drive home to people -- from both outside the region, and right here -- that there's a lot of activity going on here now, with more to come.

Of course, it must not be forgotten that a show such as this town has just seen does not just happen. That's especially true in a case like this, where it was only earlier this year that it was decided to hold this event.

Kudos go to all those who played a hand in putting the show together, from co-ordinator Patricia Black right on down.

Talk is already swirling around town about next year's conference. It should also be quite an event, if this year's show is any indication.

Having fun for a good cause

Midnight Madness was also a big success.

Though the temperature was a little on the chilly side, lots of people took in the sights and sounds.

A big highlight was the Cops for Cancer event, where Mounties, plus other community members, risked some good natured ribbing and shaved their heads to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Not only did the event raise a lot of money, it was also good to see the large number of people who turned out to watch.

Those who willingly endured the close shaves should be given a hand. Then again, perhaps they could be given hats instead -- they're going to need a lot of hats for the next little while.

Editorial Comment
Derek Neary
Deh Cho Drum, Fort Simpson

First Nations, other local governments in the Deh Cho and the Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce should hold North American Tungsten Corporation to its word on providing economic development opportunities. With the mine site located on the NWT side of the border, but the road supplying the mine routed through the Yukon, local leaders must see to it that a sufficient number of jobs and contracts are put on the table, rather than quietly allowing them to waltz down the road to the Yukon. The GNWT should be prepared to step in and asserts its influence as well.

Although the CanTung mine had been in operation from the 1960s through the 1980s, a different political and business dynamic exists today. The Acho Dene Koe group of companies, for example, has plenty more to offer than the Fort Liard band ever could have 20 or 30 years ago. They are seeking catering, heavy equipment and air charter deals with North American Tungsten. They should be given every chance to reach an equitable agreement to provide those services, nothing less.

Shortages hurt us all

It's promising to see that a decision has been made to add another member to the RCMP detachment in Fort Liard, bolstering the staff to four. What Mayor Joanne Deneron says is true, even though it was supposed to have been a three-member detachment it is rarely at full capacity. Someone is usually on a course or taking some time off. That's not just the case in Fort Liard, but with practically every detachment.

We rely greatly on the RCMP's presence. These men and women can be called upon to make life and death decisions at a moment's notice. With such gravity involved, we'd be much better off having someone rested making those decisions rather than someone who has been run ragged for weeks on end.

Dave's filling in

If you've noticed that I'm travelling in tandem this week it's because Northern News Services reporter Dave Sullivan is in town. Dave, who arrived in Yellowknife on Monday, will be taking the reins here at the Drum while Val and I are on vacation.

He had only been here a few hours when he jumped on the details of the lightning strike that occurred in Fort Simpson last week. Mother Nature's power is simply awesome. We can only be grateful that nobody was killed or injured by the intense charge. Please feel free to stop by the office, say hello to Dave, and pass along any story ideas you may have.

We'll see you again in August.

Editorial Comment
Jorge Barrera
Kivalliq News

By the time this newspaper winds up in your hands, Jordin Tootoo will have been drafted by an NHL team, the first Inuk to make big-time hockey.

The story goes with all the storybook trappings of a Canadian hockey legend: Kid from small-town no-where learns the game playing shinny, gets discovered and the rest is history. But the kid is usually from the Prairies or some Ontario town.

For once, the story begins in Nunavut. It sets a precedent in this fledgling territory.

The Tootoo story goes beyond sports. It's a story about an Inuk breaking into the elite stratosphere of Canadian society -- like Iglulik filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk.

Slowly at first, these bright stars of Nunavut are shinning a light for the next generation to follow.

It's possible. It's there. Tootoo and Kunuk are examples of greatness in any facet of society. Such greatness is achievable, even from small communities like Iglulik and Rankin Inlet.

Where someone is from has nothing to do with the end result. It's OK to think big, bigger as possible. The sky is the limit, despite limitations that seem to loom over life sometimes.

It begins with the little things like staying that extra hour after school to nail down a math problem, or reading that extra novel, or staying on the ice a little longer to hone a shot.

It's true that there is no such thing as a level playing field. Economic status, region and social situations play a role in what lane someone starts the race, but they're not impossible obstacles to overcome. It begins with the idea, the desire to achieve something. From there it's about running hard.

The success of Tootoo and Kunuk are to be celebrated, but the exciting part is the paths these two have beaten. It'll be a little easier for those coming from behind. Now there is an example to emulate, a trail to follow.