Nathan VanderKlippe
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Feb 15/02) - Popular myth says the pleasant warmth of the far south is the cure for all ailments.

Don't tell that to Dennis Kefalas, the city's new manager of public works. Back in Yellowknife for a week after more than two years in Ottawa, his goal is to use the North to get back in shape.

"Up here it's an extremely active lifestyle," he said. "You're out all the time and you want to be out, regardless if it's cold or warm."

Kefalas is a new face in the city building, but not to Yellowknife. He first moved here in 1995 and spent four years working as a civil, environmental, municipal and structural engineer for a couple of local firms.

His current position is his first job in public service.

"It's something I've always wanted to do," he said. "I like dealing with the public."

Kefalas said moving forward on the city's waste management plan is a priority.

"Recycling will be one of our top priorities for the next four or five years," he said, adding that the city is currently developing a job description for the solid waste management coordinator.

Updating city standards -- which govern the construction of city projects -- is another goal.

"Our last standards were updated in 1987, so I think we'll look into doing that."