Yellowknife (Dec 01/06) - Councillor Shelagh Montgomery made her campaign finances public at the council meeting Monday at City Hall.

She said she wanted to be open and accountable and suggested that all councillors post their finances from the campaign.

According to her records, from August to November 2006 she raised $5,540 through donations and spent $5,258.27.

"I had $180 dollars left in my bank account, which I donated to the Centre for Northern Families," she said.

Facility Needs Assessment plan passes

Council unanimously passed for information the Recreation Facilities Needs Assessment plan at the Monday council meeting. The plan was prepared by Dillon consulting. Colin Joyal from the firm gave a presentation to the Municipal Services committee on Nov. 20.

The feedback process consisted of background documents, face-to-face and e-mail documents, an online questionnaire and four public meetings during May and June of this year.

According to the study, the public of Yellowknife wants a fieldhouse more than anything else.

Diavik to help build Bailey House

All council members except David Wind voted for the City to enter into an agreement with Diavik Diamond Mines for the co-ordination of the architectural and design stage of the Bailey House transitional housing project at the Monday council meeting.

The City is now in talks with the Salvation Army to be the owner-operator.

"I'd rather have the owner-operator confirmed before we actually pass this motion," Wind said. "I'd like to defer the motion until the owner-operator is confirmed."

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said the City has been in close contact with the Salvation Army and it is committed to being the owner-operator of Bailey House, although nothing yet has been legally signed.

Councillor Bob Brooks countered Wind's comments before voting yes for the motion.

"I'm not willing to delay this any longer," he said. "...it has been in the works many years."