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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - City-sponsored special events could soon be more healthy and sustainable.

City councillors expressed support for adopting a new policy titled, "Healthy and Sustainable Guideline for Special Events" to promote healthy eating choices, active living activities, alternative travel, and composting and recycling at 15 annual, city-run events, such as free swims at the pool and skating events.

"I'm very happy to see this here. I think it's great," said Coun. Paul Falvo.

Coun. Shelagh Montgomery agreed and added she would support extending the policy.

She suggested "not limiting (the policy) to 15 events per year, but every event the city happens to be organizing."

If passed, the new policy would have the city following the Canada Food Guide by offering healthier eating choices at events, providing clearly-marked containers for recycling, providing biodegradable cups or encouraging participants to bring their own and preparing educational activity stations to promote an environmentally-friendly and healthy lifestyle.

City to get land

More than 70 hectares of Commissioner's Land, or 13 parcels, could soon be transferred to the City of Yellowknife from Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA).

The city began the application in 2007, with the first reading of bylaw 4437, pending legal surveys, which were finally completed in late February. The city's original application involved 35 parcels and larger tracts of land, totalling 1,300 hectares. The request was later reduced to 960 hectares after MACA said it did not have the authority to dispose certain parcels.

Of the 72.4 hectares the city is set to receive, 6.6 hectares between the southern boundary of the city's Giant town site and the ski club come with the provision the city not use the parcels for "recreational infrastructure."

Other requested lands, like the Folk on the Rocks site, will go to the city by way of a 30-year lease.

"I'm pleased to see this come forward," said Coun. David Wind, adding it's good to hear "the city has more control over lands within its municipal boundaries.

Ride to Work Day

The NWT Riders Association would like Yellowknifers to ride to work June 15 - on a motorcycle or scooter.

The 18th annual Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day is geared towards showing the public the benefit of motorcycles and scooters, such as consuming less fuel than cars, reducing traffic congestion and freeing up parking space.

The group issued a letter to the mayor asking the city to allow motorcycles and scooters to park for free on June 15.