Yellowknife (May 31/06) - A Yellowknife businessman says if the city makes him jump through any more hoops, he won't be hosting an outdoor market this summer.

John Dalton was the only person to respond after the city put out a call-for-proposals last March, seeking a non-profit group to run a Saturday outdoor market at the City Hall parking lot.

Yellowknife businessman John Dalton said he may scrap the idea of running an outdoor market at City Hall if the city requires him to fill out a development permit. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

Because he submitted a for-profit proposal, the city decided to re-issue the tender - this time calling on businesses who might be interested in running the market. Again, Dalton was the only one who expressed any interest.

Now, Dalton is furious because city officials told him he will need to fill out a $100 development permit application to use the City Hall parking lot one day a week for the summer, even though he doesn't plan to erect any permanent structures there.

"If that's what they want, I won't do it," said Dalton.

"I've invested a fair bit of time and effort, and also some funds to get it set up and ready to go, and now they want to do that. It doesn't make sense to me."

The idea for a weekend outdoor market has bounced around City Hall for several years, but it has never taken off.

Dalton said he has spoken to a number of arts and crafts people in town who are willing to sign up for his market.

He even purchased 10 collapsible tents at more than $800 a pop for them to use after getting an apparent green light from City Hall to go ahead with his market scheme.

But he said he can't understand why he must seek development approval for a business that leaves no footprint, and can be erected and taken down within a few minutes.

The city's zoning bylaw states that "all temporary activities require development permit approval."

Getting approval is no guarantee that the market will go ahead.

The city's development appeal process allows any resident two weeks to appeal a project after permit approval.

If appealed, the city could slap down a stop-work order.

Dalton said the city is wandering down a slippery slope with such stringent requirements - particularly for an activity they appear to support.

"They're opening a can of worms," said Dalton.

"I hope they won't be doing this in the future with everyone."

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said he wants the outdoor market to succeed, but rules are rules. He suggested Dalton - a former city councillor himself - should know better.

"The change of a parking lot into a market... requires a development permit so that the neighbours have the chance to comment if they wish," said Van Tighem.

"(Dalton) has been over here before as a councillor and businessman. He probably helped write half those bylaws."