Council Briefs
Grant funding capped at $80,000
James Goldie
Northern News Services
Friday, October 30, 2015
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Council has voted unanimously in favour of adopting the revised City of Yellowknife Grant Policy, which would maintain a maximum cap of $80,000 for multi-year funding for community organizations.
The Grants Review Committee previously proposed a cap of $50,000, drawing complaints from the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre and the Yellowknife Seniors' Society, which both receive grants exceeding that amount.
Councillors talked about the important work being done by all grant recipients but stressed the need for these community groups to find new ways to make their grants go further.
"It's important to encourage groups to fundraise on their own and to make sure that we're not offering large sums to groups that aren't doing that work," said Adrian Bell.
Coun. Linda Bussey echoed this sentiment, adding that clear messaging is key to encouraging community groups to partner up and co-host activities in order to make funds go further.
Niels Konge voted in favour of the motion but said council needs to be more rigid about its giving policies.
"I'm going to agree with this (cap increase) today but I think there is some work for the Grant Review Committee and council to ensure that we're a little bit more transparent in what we're giving organizations, not just in grants but also property tax forgiveness and all sorts of other things that we do," he said.
City staff to further explore 'tiny homes concept'
Council heard city administration is already in the process of identifying potential parcels of land for tiny homes in Yellowknife during Monday's meeting.
"There is certainly going to be some revisiting of some bylaws, particularly our zoning bylaw and our building bylaw," said Jeffrey Humble, the city's director of planning and development.
Humble said city staff is working to come up with options that would "provide some opportunities" for people interested in tiny home living. He expects to have a plan ready for council by the new year.
In addition to Etienne Crouteau, who wants to build a tiny house neighbourhood in Yellowknife, staff have also had meetings with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, developers and property owners.
"But definitely there will need to be a process to open this up city-wide and to get input from broad sections of the community," Humble said.
Council voted unanimously in favour of staff further exploring the "tiny homes concept" and returning with recommendations for by-law amendments.
'Yellowknife Selfie' may get name change
A snap shot of facts and figures relating to local social issues - to be delivered to all residents - may be getting a name change before going in the mail.
Council voted in favour of allocating $3,000 to develop and distribute the "Yellowknife Selfie," an initiative of the City of Yellowknife Social Issues Committee.
"Because we had a discussion about the name, that is not necessarily the name that's going to be used," said committee chair Linda Bussey.
Coun. Rebecca Alty did not vote in favour of the motion, saying that while helpful to governments and NGOs, the data contained in the "selfie" would be of little use to ordinary citizens.
"I don't see what our call to action is," she added. "What do we want Yellowknifers to do with this information?"
Three councillors say goodbye
Monday marked the final city council meeting for three outgoing councillors who each spoke positively about their time serving the citizens of Yellowknife.
"Yellowknife has never failed me when it comes to having dreams come true," said Coun. Cory Vanthuyne. "Being elected six years ago to city council and being entrusted as a community leader and decision-maker has been an incredible honour, privilege and certainly another dream come true."
Dan Wong said he believes the variety and "balance" of representation on council allowed them to accomplish many things.
"A lot of the time politics is fleeting, it's very ephemeral. But it's the connections that you make with the people who believe in you and the people that trust in you that gets you through the rest," he said.
Phil Moon Son thanked his colleagues and said his time on council has been a rewarding experience.
"The good, the bad, the ugly - nevertheless, it was rewarding," said Moon son. "Democracy is not easy. We have to work at it. And often times if we want change, we have to work at it hard."
Moon Son lost his reelection bid on Oct. 19 and Wong and Vanthuyne are running in the up coming territorial election.
