SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknifer asked the 15 candidates vying for 8 seats on council
and the two vying for the mayor's seat four questions related to the Oct. 19 election. These are their answers.
John Himmelman: for mayor
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"When I see a street person I sometimes feel like I'm looking at just the remains of a person after a life so crummy I can't imagine. So lucky, so blessed am I. That being said every city's first priority is the protection of all its citizens. Bad actors must not be tolerated and directed through the legal system to find counselling. Non-bad actors who just happen to be homeless require support. Yellowknife has taken a great step forward in co-ordinating support through the Community Advisory Board on Homelessness Committee. Council should support it in being effective."
2- Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"The city has a regular maintenance schedule for roads, water and sewers. I expect it responds to unscheduled acute needs when brought to its attention. Areas requiring these basic needs must be brought to these minimum standards. Once an area is serviced, if streetscaping, revitalization or beautification is a priority of the council then all projects will be considered in the capital plan. I believe empty buildings and lots are a reflection of the economy. The private sector takes advantage of lowered market values and appropriately develops those properties throughout the business cycle."
3- How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
"I have coached NWT teams in a Canada Summer Games, two Arctic Winter Games, a Western Canada Games a North American Indigenous Games and medaled in an Ontario Summer Games as a youth. Athletes will go to the Games whether Yellowknife hosts or not. I have seen the economic impact reports put out by the sport tourism promoters and don't consider them a cost benefit evaluation. City surveys have identified housing costs and social issues as a priority. The $9 million cost could support local athletes directly in subsidized travel or sports facilities upgrades or saved as cost avoidance."
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
"The high cost of housing is mainly behind the high cost of living. The city has been causing the excessive housing costs. The city has a policy of active land management which has inflated housing costs driving people out of Yellowknife. The city is the gatekeeper of land. It gets it for free and charges as much as it can for it. In the last three years the city has gains on sales of land of $18 million. That is money directly from the pockets of new home purchasers. The city needs to reconsider its land management policy."
Mark Heyck: for mayor
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"While policing has a role to play, more enforcement alone is not the answer. If re-elected, I will strike a Task Force on Homelessness, Mental Health and Addictions, which will bring together several sectors of our community to assess the current situation, identify both gaps in services for the homeless as well as duplication of services, and identify best practices from across Canada that would work here in Yellowknife. We have a lot of good people doing a lot of good work on homelessness, but clearly, what we're doing is not working. We can - and must - do better, first and foremost for the sake of people struggling with homelessness on our streets every day."
2- Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"I believe we should focus our attention on all Yellowknife neighbourhoods over the course of a term of office, and to a degree, we've achieved that in the past few years. Specifically, I would like to see continued commitments in our capital budgets to paving unpaved roads in Kam Lake; redevelopment of underutilized lots downtown as well as fostering business incubation opportunities in the downtown; and continued implementation of the Harbour Plan, including resolution of jurisdictional issues around Yellowknife's waterfront."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
"We've taken a prudent approach to examining Yellowknife's ability to host the Canada Winter Games by convening governments, businesses, tourism and sporting organizations to assess its feasibility. If feasible, hosting the CWG could provide an incredible economic boost to the city, and could leave a legacy of affordable housing (i.e. an athletes' village constructed by the NWT Housing Corporation) and improved recreational facilities. These benefits need to be weighed against the cost of hosting the Games, and through the due diligence and research that the CWG Working Group has been doing, the next council will be able to make a well-informed decision on whether or not to submit a bid."
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
"The city has a direct role in addressing the cost of housing. We've ensured that there's a steady stream of new housing stock on the market every year, much of which has been higher density, and therefore more affordable. We need to continue to make housing availability a top priority. We've also partnered with Habitat for Humanity to provide affordable housing and that relationship should be strengthened.
Energy costs are another area we can influence through the establishment of programs that would help homeowners finance energy efficiency/renewable energy improvements to their homes. These types of programs are gaining in popularity and make perfect sense for a place like Yellowknife."
Rebecca Alty
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"On the issue of homelessness, we need to continue to work with the federal and territorial governments. During my last term on council, we created the Community Advisory Board on Homelessness and showed that when we all work together, we can make progress. The advisory board is made up of representatives from all levels of government, plus not-for-profits. The board managed to secure federal funding which helped develop Hope's Haven (transitional housing for youth). With safe and secure housing, they'll have the opportunity for a better future."
2 - Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"I don't think we have to pit each area against each other, and I don't think we should be looking at them in silos. By focusing on core services needed in each area, I think we can work to improve them all."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
It's forecasted that the city's contribution for just operating the Games will be $7.96 million (cost for capital projects is on top of this). That's a lot of money for a two-week event. The GNWT has mentioned they'll help with the athletes' village, which would then be turned into housing, but they won't commit to it in writing and it's just a shuffle in their capital plan so it's not really more housing. We have major water, sewer and road work coming up in the next five years and the $7.96 million would be better spent on those projects.
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
"Taxes and user fees are two things that affect the cost of living for all residents. We need to make sure we focus on projects that are needs over wants, and focus on improving and maintaining our current assets before building more. We also need to look at the operating and maintenance cost of capital projects, and make sure that we can afford to maintain it after building it. For user fees, particularly for recreation facilities, instead of increasing the fees every year, we need to find a way to increase the number of users to make up any shortfall."
Adrian Bell
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"The city has been a valuable supporter of projects like Lynn's Place, Bailey House, Side Door, Hope's Haven and the day shelter. We must continue this role by supporting GNWT implementation of a Housing First program. We must also keep up pressure on MLAs to reduce our unacceptably-long public housing waiting lists. Public drunkenness and aggressive or abusive behaviour in the downtown core have impacts on business, tourism and our ability to attract and retain residents. We can reduce these behaviours through education and increased RCMP and MED foot patrols."
2- Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"All areas of the city would benefit from adjustments to core service delivery, but Kam Lake, Old Town and downtown have additional needs. Kam Lake has undergone substantial zoning changes and service levels should be increased to match its changing identity. Investments in Old Town and downtown bring spin-off benefits for tourism, recruitment and retention of residents, and the economic prospects of the entire city. Significant private investments in Old Town are beginning to take the burden off the city. The downtown will need further investments before the private sector will take over as the driver of revitalization."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
"Yellowknife would be the smallest city to host the Games, and would do so in a higher cost environment with less support from senior levels of government (the Yukon Government covered 77 per cent of the Whitehorse Games' capital budget.) The burden on taxpayers and sponsors would be unprecedented. We can't afford the Games. Our spending priorities are and should remain the delivery of core services and the replacement of aging assets, like the pool. A portion of our annual budget should continue to be targeted at problem areas, like the downtown, which are a drag on our economy."
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
"Council has done a good job of bringing property tax increases under control, but heating, electricity and rent are much bigger cost drivers. Connecting Yellowknife to cheaper hydroelectric power south of Great Slave Lake would be a game changer, both for power and heat. To get there we must collaborate with the federal government, GNWT and mining industry. On a smaller scale, the proposed Loans for Heat program could reduce the up-front cost of energy-efficiency retrofits. On the housing side, higher density construction in the downtown would mean higher vacancy rates, lower rents and a reduced tax burden citywide."
Mark Bogan
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"Currently I work at the Safe Harbour Day Centre. The city needs to work with the GNWT, federal government, Dene Nation, local chiefs and bands, Inuvialuit and NGOs and to address mental health, addictions and homelessness. Specifically, we need to work to see the establishment of an addictions treatment service, an expansion of mental-health programming and more services for the homeless."
2- Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"All areas of the city need attention with the basics and I will commit to maintain our roads, sewers and water services within the city. But I will commit to working on the establishment of a treatment centre and lowering social problems downtown. This will entice business investors to develop empty lots in the downtown core."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
"I do not support the CWG. The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce states how the costs are too high with little return for the city. I agree. The city needs to get back to basics and look for ways of freezing taxes and public service fees."
4- There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
"The city has to work to reduce the taxes and fees levied on citizens for city services. This can be done by freezing fees and taxes by reducing frivolous expenses both small (e.g. landscaping, fancy sidewalks) and large (bidding for Canada Winter Games)."
Linda Bussey
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"The Housing First Project is an approach that offers affordable housing to the homeless. This initiative provides support services to community groups to help individuals in a vulnerable position through harm reduction and access to services available to help vulnerable people.
The city needs to continue leading stakeholders to work collaboratively to support existing programs and services. We also need to advocate for different programs and services that can positively impact Yellowknife with regard to this issue. I have been promoting and will continue to promote the need for a permanent budget line addressing social development initiatives within the city's budget."
2- Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"Each development decision needs to be made in a proactive and not a reactive way. For example, the proposed development of the Harbour Trail on Latham Island, better infrastructure in Kam Lake, to the development of vacant lots on 50 Avenue all present their own distinct issues and opportunities. We need to have a vision with short term and long term plans for all neighborhoods. We must be fiscally responsible and provide sustainable development in all parts of the city through setting priorities for addressing the greatest needs first."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
"I am not in support of the city bidding on the Canada Winter Games. The present state of the economy does not allow us to entertain such a financial investment. High cost of living is a priority for all; such a project will become the responsibility of taxpayers, something that we can't afford. Yellowknife already benefits from a tourist industry; why not continue its development and opportunities? We should invest and develop incentives for local business, attract new businesses, increase our arts and culture possibilities. Let's work on sustainable projects and initiatives for decades to come and build a Yellowknife for future generations."
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
"Many factors determine the cost of living such as the price of housing, utilities, food and taxes. Many cost drivers are not within the responsibility area of municipalities, but some are. The city can help by ensuring property taxes and user fees for municipal facilities and services are reasonable. Any consideration of tax or fee increases must be scrutinized to ensure any increase is kept to a required minimum. The city can also help manage the cost of land and house construction by scrutinizing planning and construction requirements for new development to ensure land and house construction costs are kept at as reasonable a level as possible."
Thom Jarvis
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"Public drunkenness and bad behaviour are law-enforcement issues. We already have laws in place and they need to be more vigorously enforced. There is a subgroup within our homeless population that is responsible for much of this. Our city has a fairly large and expensive bylaw enforcement department which could have some of their resources redirected toward foot patrols both downtown and on the trails. This would be a first step in restoring the quality and enjoyment of public spaces in various parts of the city. Homelessness in general is going to be a longer term issue and will require the collaborative efforts of all levels of government and various NGOs."
2- Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"The Harbour Plan needs fine tuning as there are legitimate concerns emanating from Latham Island residents that cannot be ignored. The key to downtown development is getting a handle on aggressive street people and mitigating homelessness. The private sector will pick up the slack once conditions are more conducive to business. We can't beautify our way out of this. Road maintenance city-wide requires more attention."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
"Until it can be demonstrated the Games will provide a net financial benefit to the city, I cannot support them. At present we possess neither the accommodation nor sporting facility infrastructure required. This event takes place during aurora season. There are hopes that the federal and territorial governments will provide a level of funding. They may or may not. The territorial government is facing financial difficulties and the winds are still blowing as to which way the federal election will go. Regardless, neither of these two levels of government will be the ones paying for staffing, operating and maintaining these facilities in the future."
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
"The most effective way the city can address the high cost of living is to control its own costs and spending. A greater effort needs to be expended looking for cost efficiencies, limiting future tax increases and controlling and/or lowering many of the fees that the city directly charges for services. A renewed focus on municipal core activities - what we need versus what some want should be the new council's focus."
Niels Konge
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"Needs to be a collaborated effort with the GNWT. I support the Housing First initiative."
2- Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"All areas of Yk need attention. I don't believe that any need more or less than others, they all have needs that should be addressed."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
I am not supportive of the Canada Winter Games. I have not been convinced that there will not be a tax burden on the tax payers. Spending priorities should be streets, sidewalks, garbage, water and sewer. Get back to the basics
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
Land costs is one that the city can directly do something about, as well as taxes. I also think all new subdivisions should have central heat.
Marie-Soleil Lacoursiere
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"Social issues must be approached holistically.
I believe the Housing First approach must be used to address tragedies of homelessness and addiction. I support the continued roll-out of the five-year homelessness strategy and advocating for the federal funding required to help this program thrive.
Yellowknife does not have the resources nor jurisdiction to tackle these problems ourselves. I would push for collaboration with the territory for implementation.
We also need to ensure our policing policy addresses not only law and order, but encourages our law enforcement officials to build solid relationships with those they interact with downtown."
2 - Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"Definitely the downtown core. Our downtown is the heart of our city. Land-squatting and unused lots have left it littered with eyesores and unrealized potential.
I will pursue a land-based taxation system for DT zoned lots to discourage land-squatting and reward those who make good use of the land downtown. I will work to find ways to avoid punishing those already living downtown prior to implementation.
Discouraging land-squatting will encourage densification downtown and be a big step forward for downtown revitalization."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
I am moderately supportive of the Canada Winter Games.
My children all play sports and I'm supportive of celebrating excellence in any field.
I do believe a project this size needs to be well-planned as part of a larger legacy plan. This means providing options and going to the people with these options so they know their tax money is well-spent.
If the public is made fully aware of what measures would be required, options are provided in planning with a focus on creating a positive legacy for Yellowknife, and the economics make sense, I'm in.
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
The city's role should be as leader in issues the city can have a direct effect on. One huge item we can do, again, is increase the densification of development in our city through incentivizing it with a land-based taxation system in DT-zoned lots. This will bring property taxes down for downtown developments with savings passed onto those who live and do business in them.
I also support the creation of a small-business incubator in the downtown core to give the numerous home-based entrepreneurs in the city a place to do business and innovate at reasonable commercial rental rates.
Beaton MacKenzie
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"The city should view avenues for low cost housing to give people on low incomes an opportunity to build equity for home ownership. As to our social issues downtown, I have stated that city council should join agencies from other areas that assist the homeless and work together for an efficient successful goal."
2 - Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"A councillor should not restrict their views/energy to just one specific need, but speak for all the city."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
Unless the federal and territorial governments assist the Games for infrastructure and we can secure minimum 4,000 volunteers, the Games will not happen. The city needs to reduce it spending and be more efficient in its operations.
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
The city needs to view ways to lower taxes and seek ways to increase our population.
Dane Mason
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"We should be further supporting front-line organizations such as Side Door and Hope's Haven that engage in early intervention and prevention. These investments pay dividends down the road. It's not just a responsible social decision; it's a responsible fiscal decision. As for the current situation, we should continue supporting further networking of organizations and cut red tape around funding restrictions to allow front-line organizations that see these problems and opportunities on a day-to-day basis to lead and direct investments where they see fit. White-collar office workers trying to "solve" homelessness and develop strategies is like driving from the back seat."
2 - Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"Instead of new downtown purchases, the city should be focusing on supporting the struggling business environment that we have. For example, the Bellanca office tower is currently searching for a lead tenant. Instead of the costs of new construction for a library or arts space as currently proposed, why not lease out the bottom levels of the Bellanca building, get street-front access for our library and arts and increase the foot traffic and attractiveness of the tower for other businesses, all while saving the money the city would otherwise spend on new construction?"
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
I'm not in support of a CWG bid. I would still like to see a full cost and benefit study. If there's a way to kill two birds with one stone - say if we can use 75 per cent federal funding under the New Building Canada Plan to put a piece of lasting recreation infrastructure on one of the city's collection of empty downtown lots - let's do it. If we're looking at the city sinking $36.5 million of the municipal budget into the CWG and then later needing to raise property tax while we're already struggling to provide core services, forget it.
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
The city's most direct influence on cost of living is through property tax, which affects homeowners, rental prices, and the price of goods and services - for example, with the rate hikes last year for Kam Lake, business owners have to address the extra costs. You can absorb a small tax increase, but when it's over double or triple your current rate, that burden gets passed onto Yellowknife consumers in the form of higher prices. Mill rates and assessed values should not be allowed to create a spike in property taxes. We should work within the budget we already have.
Jugjit More-Curran
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"The Yellowknife Community Advisory Board on Homelessness has done a lot of the investigation needed for an action plan to address chronic homelessness. They suggest using the Housing First model, which focuses on the idea that permanent housing is everyone's first and foremost need. Once someone is safely housed, all other needs can be addressed including mental health and addictions. The Mental Health Commission of Canada completed a five-year study in 2014 concluding the model is cost effective. Every $10 invested resulted in an average savings across other services of $9.60. This is the type of solution I would support."
2- Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"Through my many meetings around the city, it's clear multiple neighbourhoods face challenges although there is a common theme resonating across them all. The geographic area Yellowknifers want to see improved most is the headspace located within the walls of city hall. We have a Harbour Plan that completely ignores the concerns of Latham Islanders. We have a tax regime short-changing people who can't even access the full suite of services delivered by the city because of where they live. We have a murky procurement system I'm hearing results in contract awards to southern companies, despite lower local bids."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
"Voters around the city are saying clearly they don't want the Canada Winter Games. People seem to understand in the course of doing their own household budgets that there are "nice-to-haves" and "need-to-haves." Our city needs a multi-million-dollar solution to protect our water supply from potential arsenic poisoning; needs to address chronic homeless; needs to stop our roads from crumbling; and needs to deal with the looming seniors' housing crisis. Given all of Yellowknife's actual critical needs, there is no way I could support spending $36 million on a two-week party, eight years from now. Yellowknifers want bread, not circuses."
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
"No other level of government has more control over the amount of money left in our pockets than city hall. If we are to reverse the trend of people and businesses moving south, the city must act. Before that will happen, Yellowknifers must elect a council committed to taking a critical look at every way the city spends their hard earned tax dollars. In my professional life I have led the development and implementation of many cost containment strategies. I would welcome a mandate from the voters to bring my experience and expertise to council. Yellowknifers need to expect more."
Shauna Morgan
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"Homeless people need homes. That is the basic idea behind Housing First, an approach the city adopted through the Community Advisory Board on Homelessness, set up in 2014. While the city does not have the budget or mandate to build housing, it needs to take a leadership role in propelling this issue to the top of the territorial and federal agendas. I bring extensive experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder groups that move beyond discussion to concrete action. Many local business leaders recognize that ending homelessness is good for our economy, and their energy and ideas need to be harnessed."
2- Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"We need to think of this city as one integrated whole and avoid making people believe they live in neighbourhood ghettos that must fight against one another to have their needs met. Most people live, work, shop and play across various parts of the city and have a stake in seeing each neighbourhood prosper. The Smart Growth Plan, adopted in 2010, enjoys broad public support and provides useful direction on how to develop new neighbourhoods and revitalize existing ones. Recommendations include improving transportation routes and trail systems, preserving character and heritage in each neighbourhood and building affordable housing."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
A knee-jerk reaction for or against these Games is not wise when we don't have all the information we need. There's a Working Committee with 23 representatives - including local business representatives - weighing benefits, costs and risks. This committee has not yet completed its work or made a recommendation to council.
The biggest questions for me include how the Games will financially impact local residents, and to what extent costs can be covered through ticket sales, corporate sponsorship and federal and territorial funding, instead of city funds. Another question is whether facility and housing improvements will provide lasting benefits for Yellowknifers.
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
Energy costs are potentially the biggest burden on a household. This past year I worked with the city to draft a proposal for a green energy retrofit program that would help homeowners realize significant energy savings.
I will do my best to ensure property tax increases stay as low as possible, while ensuring there is adequate budget to provide essential programs and services and keep municipal infrastructure in good repair. The city can make new housing more affordable by prioritizing compact, multi-unit developments that are close to the city centre and near existing water and sewer lines.
Steve Payne
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"I really like the Housing First idea that the city has been talking about. We do need to start making a plan to see how we can implement it in our city. We do need to address the public drunkenness in the downtown core; everyone avoids the downtown area because of fear. It's a sad thing to hear but its dangerous in the evenings. Maybe a better police presence is required. We have bylaw officers, we can use them to do foot patrols to help keep the downtown core safer."
2 - Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"Every area is different and all a part of our city. City hall needs to stop treating certain areas as priority. We are all Yellowknifers and need to be treated equally. If there is a problem we need those problems addressed no matter what area it's in. With that being said, downtown is probably the area that needs a little more attention in my mind. There needs to be a working relationship between the city, territorial government and the local bands. I don't feel that spending 6.5 million on an overpriced lot is going to be the answer."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
"I am not in support of bidding for the Games how it has been presented to us at this point."
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
"Keep spending in check. We spend like we are a spoiled kid at a Toys R Us. We can't have everything we want. Spending shouldn't be the default."
Julian Morse
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"We need a solution that will give people experiencing homelessness a place to go that's stable, where they can stay, with no caveats about drunkenness or addictions. Housing First has been proven to work in other jurisdictions, and I'd like to see it implemented here. The city should play a role in helping organizations who are working to implement Housing First. I have been meeting with various organizations to discuss how this can happen, and build relationships for future collaboration if I am elected. Co-operation is needed between jurisdictions; it's not just the city's problem, it's territorial as well."
2 - Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"Firstly, I don't think that one geographic area needs to or should take precedent at the expense of others. The city should be developed in a balanced manner that meets a majority of residents' needs. However, if I had to pick one area that is in most need of revitalization and investment, it would be the downtown core. We need to encourage development downtown and ensure barriers to investment are minimized. The city should consider introducing penalties for not developing lots downtown, which could spur investment. I also believe that alleviating homelessness will serve a big role in revitalizing downtown."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
I am not stating a position on the Games until the committee tasked with analyzing the costs and benefits reports back to council. Councillors are elected to make informed, evidence-based decisions, and I will only support the Games if there is evidence to show it will benefit the city, and we have the capacity to host. There are a number of infrastructure deficits facing the city that need to be addressed, which should take precedent over the Games. Some could potentially be rolled into a bid on the Games, such as a new pool; I'm interested in exploring that possibility.
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
The city can and must do more to lower the cost of living for residents. I am advocating for implementation of the Loans for Heat program, which would provide low-cost loans to homeowners, levied against their property tax, for home heating and energy retrofits. We need more low-cost housing in this city as well; rent is too high here and it's forcing people to leave. City administration should also be identifying efficiencies within the organization to ensure every dollar of tax money is spent wisely. Lastly, we need to encourage recruitment. A larger tax base will reduce individual costs.
Rommel Silverio
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"Addressing the root causes of these will help us deal with this very serious issue affecting the city. I believe the solution includes reallocating resources to the areas of social work, education, and policing. We must make sure programs supporting rehabilitation, counselling and employment for the homeless are available to help break the cycle of addiction and homelessness. We must work with the territorial and federal governments, non-profit organizations, and residents to implement the right policies."
2 - Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"I believe the downtown core needs the most attention. Downtown revitalization is needed to encourage downtown densification and growth that will result in more employment for residents and increased municipal income.
The mall is almost empty due to business closures. Many residents, workers and businesses are affected by the rampant social problems that centre in the downtown core. I believe increasing police and municipal enforcement visibility while ensuring their strategy includes building relationships with those frequenting the downtown core will promote more orderliness and safety for residents, workers and local businesses and encourage businesses to move back downtown."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
I am not in support of Canada Winter Games. I think we still need to study and consider a lot of things, especially where we are going to get the core funding for it. A more thorough analysis of its economics should be done. Will the benefits outweigh costs? We need to be fiscally responsible on how we spend our taxes - if this bid means increased taxes later then it's a no-go for me.
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
"The municipal government should make every effort to alleviate the burden Yellowknifers currently bear by increasing improved access to basic facilities and resources offered to the residents to compensate for the "given" high cost of living in the North. For example, more frequent bus schedules and more bus stops at residential areas would encourage residents to take the bus rather than using a private vehicle that would cost them more gas usage especially during winter months. The city must effectively budget by identifying priorities for expenditures through balanced, long-term planning to ensure residents aren't passed over significant increases in tax burden."
Phil Moon Son
1- In what specific way should the city address social issues such as homelessness and public drunkenness/bad behaviour in the downtown core?
"The social situation in the downtown core is a combination of various factors and although most councillors want to tackle this issue head on, the reality is the city has limited resources to tackle this issue without the buy-in from the other governments. I would like to see a dedicated foot patrol team from our Municipal Enforcement Division, not to come down hard but to show a presence and provide confidence to the downtown residents and businesses. I would also like to support groups in Yellowknife that are working very hard at developing plans to assist with these social issues such as an expansion to our wet shelters."
2 - Which geographic area of the city needs the most attention and what specifically needs to be done?
"Every region of the city has challenges and special needs, and the city must assist with all these areas. Partnership funding and participation arrangements are the best approach to ensuring we get the best value for our resources. A couple examples are working with the Kam Lake Association to work on its issues, and assisting and funding Latham Island Association with its revitalization objectives. It's a win-win for both parties - they are willing to put in the sweat equity and the city spends a fraction of the costs for these improvements. Other areas of town without an organized group also need to be considered during the budget and work plan process."
3 - How supportive are you of the city's intended bid of the Canada Winter Games and why? If not the CWG, what should be the city's spending priorities?
The Canada Winter Games is a very exciting but also very risky project. This is definitely a polarizing issue. Unfortunately at this time I cannot support this risk to our taxpayers and community. Although the working group is continuing to work hard on the feasibility of the project, quite a bit of comparative information has been already gathered. However, council must review all the evaluations, views and discussions as they arise.
4 - There are many factors that make up the city's high cost of living. What is the city's responsibility in addressing it and what can be done to alleviate the burden?
Yellowknife's high cost of living is definitely one of the most challenging issues. Some of these issues the city has direct control over such as taxes, land value, fees etc. On the other issues, we have limited control and involvement such as the cost of energy and consumables. This is why keeping our city focused on our core responsibilities is critical to ensuring spending and taxes are in check. I think shifting residents from fuel to other sources of energy is a great idea, on the other hand I cannot support the city helping to finance individual residents on these retrofits.
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