Nathan VanderKlippe
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 13/02) - During a Monday discussion on raising the cost of building permits, Coun. Robert Hawkins accused council of "money-grabbing."

"Shame on anyone for saying we're going to collect money now (during a housing boom), as if the community is a lottery ticket," he said.

That prompted an immediate and angry response from Coun. Blake Lyons.

"That's crossing the line," said Lyons.

Council unanimously passed a 20 per cent hike in permit fees this January as part of its budget. Fees will rise 10 per cent this year. The move is estimated to bring in $60,000 over the next three years. But several councillors tried to block the hike on Monday.

Hawkins and Coun. Alan Woytuik voted against the measure.

"It is a cumulative (addition) to the cost of living here, which is already way higher than our competitor to the south," said Woytuik, referring to Edmonton.

Lyons fired back accusing Hawkins and Woytuik of using overblown rhetoric.

"For residential, we're looking at an increase of $116 (per house). That's less, as I understand it, than the square-foot construction costs. What we're doing is charging them one square foot more," he said. "That's not going to break the deal."

The bylaw eventually passed first reading by a 3-2 margin, with councillors Lyons, Ben McDonald and O'Reilly pushing it through.

Slim pickings for September grant applicants

Council approved a special grants package that leaves only $15,271 for groups who apply for additional funding this September.

Council deviated from committee recommendations in only one way, by tossing an extra $5,000 to the NWT Council for People With Disabilities, who will use it for a summer camp program.

A plea from Skills Canada executive director Allyson Stroeder went unheeded. Stroeder made a presentation to council, asking "the city to take an active role in sponsoring the skills competition brings out the best in Yellowknife and brings dollars to Yellowknife."

After fielding several questions, Stroeder left the podium - and the Skills Canada funding was never brought up again. Council approved up to $2,000 in in-kind funding for school rental. Last year, renting a school gym cost less than $100, Stroeder said.

In total, council gave out $84,729 in grants. Of that, the biggest beneficiary was the Yellowknife Ski Club, which received $25,000 for trail upgrades.

Council has $100,000 in its special grants budget.