SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Having spent $175,000 developing a report detailing a plan to put an outdoor plaza at the downtown 50/50 lot, and after a week of talking about the plan with residents, city councillors are still not happy with the design.

City council voted to accept a report on a plan to build an outdoor plaza at the 50/50 lot, but asked administration to come up with some alternative designs should negotiations - with the two mall REITS to provide $2 million for mall renovations - fall through. - Evan Kiyoshi French/NNSL photo

Despite that, city council voted to accept the report detailing a plan to build the outdoor plaza at the corner of 50 Street and 50 Avenue with specific amendments added including more public consultation and developing alternatives to the design.

Mayor Mark Heyck said residents are concerned there hasn't been enough public engagement, that the plan didn't include alternative designs and that the city lacks the ability to keep the place safe at all hours.

The plan hinges on the two REITS - Holloway Lodging Corporation and Slate REITs - who own the mall. Without a firm commitment to pay for $2 million in mall improvements, residents are worried the plan could fall apart, said Heyck, after the city has already spent money on the plan.

Phase one of the build would cost $500,000 and the plan councillors were considering doesn't require financial commitment from the REITs until stage four.

Heyck recommended that council consider some amendments that would alleviate those concerns.

The city has already spent $175,000 in CanNor funding on carrying out the initial public consultation and report. Two weeks ago, the author of the report, Simon Taylor of Taylor Architecture Group, told council he went to great lengths to consult with as many people as possible, but a relatively small number of people turned out for the sessions.

Senior Administrative Officer Dennis Kefalas said it's almost certain that CanNor will not open its coffers for more public consultation before the election, and he wouldn't be surprised if the ultimate answer is, 'No'.

Jeff Humble, director of planning and development, said there may be some funding left over from the initial report that would allow the city to carry out more public consultation.

Coun. Adrian Bell said he had a "fascinating week" of conversations with residents who got to look at the plan for the first time, and who have serious concerns about the plan and design.

"I've had more conversations about downtown revitalization than in the two years previous," he said. "We finally have people talking about solutions."

He said he liked Heyck's proposed amendments and moved they be adopted.

Coun. Linda Bussey said she wouldn't support the plan as it stood without amendments and that she doesn't like the idea of settling the fate of the 50/50 lot before the other lots on the street - purchased earlier than the 50/50 lot - were dealt with.

"I can't consider approving this motion until we have a financial commitment from the REITS," she said.

Coun. Phil Moon Son said he hasn't liked the design from the start, but something has to be done with the empty lot. He said he isn't comfortable with the planned public washroom and is dubious as to whether the city will be able to ensure the place is safe.

Coun. Niels Konge said what everyone may have been thinking.

"The truth is that the final say on this is going to be up to the next council," he said.

Councillors decided to vote on the motion point by point. They voted to accept the report as presented, and directed staff to find ways to fund further public consultation, be that left over money from the first report, further grants from CanNor, or other methods, while continuing negotiations with the REITs.

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