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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
According to businesses situated along Old Airport Road, the issue they would like to discuss with city council candidates campaigning in October's municipal election is the proposed rezoning of their street.

The Smart Growth Development Plan lists its first priority for Old Airport Road as pursuing "the rezoning of Old Airport Road to facilitate relocation of industrial related uses, and provide for medium to high density residential development, recreational, and institutional uses."

According to Mike Rarog, owner of Arctic Response Canada at 104-349 Old Airport Road, the plan would limit business activity in the district.

"The (proposed) re-zoning ... turning parts into residential, pushes out business," he said. "We'd love to be able to afford to move out to Kam Lake but with the high lot prices and additional costs it's just not feasible for us right now."

Traffic congestion, parking and housing affordability follow closely behind the rezoning controversy as issues that concern people in the area.

Arguably the worst portion for parking on Old Airport Road is the lot shared between Tim Hortons, Wal-Mart, the Super 8 Motel and Mark's Work Wearhouse.

"It's a nightmare," said Debra Hudson, manager of the Super 8 Motel.

"It would be nice if they could do something about it."

With a perception that most of the city's attention is focused on the downtown core, businesses along Old Airport Road would like the city to turn its gaze to the business district "uptown."

Ben Walker, general manager of the Yellowknife Co-op, isn't against the rezoning plan but would like to see council move toward a pro-business mandate, and make the city more attractive for new people to set up shop.

"We don't mind apartment buildings moving in, it would give (the area) more business," Walker said.

"We want Yellowknife to grow and to have a pro-business attitude. New businesses bring new people."

Higher prices and taxes make the cost of living too much for most people, Walker said.

The Yellowknife Bottle Shop and Recycling Depot's owner Adam Pich is frustrated with the speed of the city's "streetscaping" project on Old Airport Road, which is in its third year.

He would like to see projects move quickly from start to finish.

"It moves at a snail's pace," Pich said.

Pich added traffic congestion along Old Airport Road at 5 p.m. on weekdays is an issue, saying "that it's like pulling teeth," trying to turn on to the road in either direction at that time.

While there are frustrations, Pich said moving to Kam Lake isn't a viable option for his business because it is too far away from the main flow of traffic.

Many residents who live near the busy thoroughfare hope October's election involves conversation about the housing situation in the city.

Their concerns relate to general living costs, housing availability, ineffective rent regulation and public housing regulations.

Daphney Barnes said she won't be voting in the upcoming election unless candidates pressure the territorial government to put a cap on the amount a landlord can increase rent.

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, rent may be increased once per 12 months but there is not a limit on how much it may be increased.

Some issues may require collaboration between municipal and territorial governments.

"It's difficult for single people to get into public housing," said Linda Tourangeau.

She said the high cost of living and a lack of public housing options put some Yellowknife residents in a very difficult situation.

- with files from Lyndsay Herman

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