Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 12/04) - After several recent controversies involving large-scale developments, city council has voted in favour of striking a citizens committee to review the zoning bylaw.

"We've had many comments relative to our permitting process, our enforcement or lack of enforcement," said Coun. Wendy Bisaro at last Monday's regular council meeting.

"I hope (this committee) is representative of every side of the issue, environmentalists and businessmen alike."

The committee's work will likely coincide with and compliment a city council general review of the zoning bylaw planned for later this spring.

The city has faced a lot of criticism over the past year over its zoning bylaws.

Even members of the development appeal board expressed their displeasure in a written rebuke last November, noting several instances where developers were not following the city's landscaping requirements.

Nonetheless, Coun. Doug Witty called the ad hoc committee a "Band-Aid solution." and wondered whether it would have enough teeth to accomplish anything.

"Our current bylaw doesn't allow for anything outside the development appeal board," said Witty.

"The ad hoc committee should have some measure of power to change decisions if necessary."

"I think it's a positive step," said Tasha Stephenson, who briefly appealed the hotel's development permit earlier this year.

"Especially if they're willing to work with people outside of City Hall."