SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - As election time approaches for city council, perhaps it's time for them to start crowing about what they have achieved over their term. The progress report compiled by city administration delivered just that – an over 23 page memorandum presented at Monday's committee meeting.

The report bullet-pointed the various achievements of council's six goals and objectives, all of which were related to the overall goal of sustainability and quality of life for Yellowknifers.

The engagement of residents, transparency, co-operative collaborations, reduced waste, affordable housing options and improved transportation were just some of the achievements listed in the report.

City councillor David Wind said he was glad to see the report, having asked for something similar for some time.

He was pleased to see "status and confirmation" on the goals that were set down in 2007, and that some progress had been made – although he said he hopes the reports will be more frequent next term.

"My comment generally would be that I'm quite satisfied with the progress that administration has made with the goals' objectives."

Looking for justice

City council has created some more room on its Social Issues Committee after realizing it lacked an important voice.

Councillor David McCann made the suggestion to add a representative from the justice sector, and it was a move readily supported by the other councillors Monday, with the amendment seconded by Coun. Lydia Bardak.

"I noticed there's nobody there from justice … (If there were it would bring) someone from that operation here, who could discuss the policing and correctional aspects which I think are both really important elements," said Coun. McCann.

Coun. Paul Falvo said it would be helpful to try and reconcile the punishment versus prevention or rehabilitation camps for the highest possible effectiveness.

"We've got different people touching different parts of the elephant. Even though there are different points of view out there, the fact is we may accomplish more working together," he said.

In the original Social Plan draft, there is one representative from city council, the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, the Yellowknives Dene, the GNWT, Yellowknife Health and Social Services, the Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition, two public representatives and the mayor on the committee.

Once operational, the committee will act in an advisory capacity to the city and the GNWT and is envisaged as a potential 'agent of change' in the terms of reference.

Burnt home replacement

Following a fire that destroyed the home of Barry Taylor last year, the city has approved his application to rebuild on the empty site.

In a committee meeting last week, city councillors agreed unanimously to grant Taylor's application to rebuild his home, even though it conflicts with the city's General Plan that looks to promote medium to high density housing in the "CT," or centretown. Councillor Mark Heyck said that while the construction of a single detached home does not reflect the General Plan, the fact that the home was destroyed by fire should be taken into consideration.

A memorandum to the committee by the Planning and Development Department stated "the approval of a new single-detached dwelling as a replacement of a pre-existing house that burned in a fire cannot be used as a precedent for new single-detached residential developments in the 'CT' zone in a larger scale."

The memo also stated that while the home may not be ideal under the General Plan, it will help meet the needs of beautifying the downtown area in the immediate future.