Yellowknife (Sep 11/06) - A report on Yellowknife crime depicts the territories' capital as little better than comparably sized counterparts in the developing world.

"Although Yellowknife is a wealthy, modern city, many of its problems are similar to those in far less developed nations around the world," reads the 111 page, $50,000 report commissioned by the city in 2005.

Mayor says steps taken to address problems identified in $50,000 report

Too many bars, not enough addictions treatment centres and policing resources as well as scarce daycare facilities are some of the criticisms levelled at Yellowknife.

What it amounts to, according to the report, is a dysfunctional social climate that perpetuates problems rather than creates positive change.

"The key thing is until the entire community mobilizes to address the situation it's not going to go away," said Mayor Gord Van Tighem of the less-than-rosy portrait the report paints of Yellowknife. "And this logic can apply to issues such as littering, public intoxication, a lot of things."

Van Tighem did note that since the report was commissioned, many initiatives have been implemented and have enjoyed varying degrees of success.

"Our crime statistics from a year ago to date have been cut in half so there's been some progress," the mayor said, crediting enhanced police resources and Yellowknife Area Policing Advisory Committee for making a difference.

And Yellowknife detachment commander Roch Fortin has the statistics to back up Van Tighem.

Since January 2006 there have been a total of 498 assaults reported; half as many as were reported in 2004.

"Sure, we've got four months before the end of the year but unless something dramatic happens, it will be a reduction," said Fortin.

Additionally, the number of residential and business break and enters reported to date this year - 199 - have dramatically decreased from 2004 totals of nearly 1,000.

"Credit needs to be given for people working together, like the Yellowknife Police Advisory Committee, our auxiliary program and Citizens on Patrol for example," said Fortin.

"Are we there yet? No, but we've made some great improvements and to change the perception, we have to put the facts forward."