SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Old Airport Road will have a friendlier look by March 2011 thanks to more than $1.5 million in funding from the federal government, the city of Yellowknife and private partners.

Shelly Glover, parliamentary secretary for the minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, was in Yellowknife Friday to announce $980,000 in funding from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).

"There are a number of design elements, such as landscaping, decorative lighting and new curbs that will help transform Old Airport Road into a modern thriving commercial streetscape," she said.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said the streetscape design has been complete since 2009 and was created with the help of the community.

"We've involved between 800 and 1,000 people from the community and thousands of hours of discussion and consultation to develop a future vision for the physical Yellowknife," he said.

According to Van Tighem and the 2010 budget, the city is contributing $500,000, although the press release from CanNor said the city's contribution to the project is $110,000.

The remaining $35,000 is being provided by private partners, for a total project value of $1.515 million, not $1.125 million, as is written in the release.

The funds will be used to upgrade boulevards and buffer areas along Old Airport Road, starting near Highway 3 at Bristol Pit and extending to Cemetery Road.

Also included will be irrigation, decorative lighting, the installation of poles and banners, and concrete work, including stamped and coloured medians and poured curbs.

"Improvements to the function and aesthetic of the route will create new opportunities for commercial business to develop, foster tourism by beautifying the route and provide both immediate and long-term opportunities," the mayor said.

Kevin Martin, manager of Mark's Work Wearhouse, said it's great news for all of the businesses in the area.

"I think it's a good idea, I think for all businesses, not just for here. It will be a nicer route for sure."

The project is part of the city's Smart Growth Development Plan.

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