SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The votes to approve the plan to build a three-phase, 81-lot single family home subdivision on the south shore of Grace Lake split largely along the lines of new councillors versus returning councillors Monday evening.

On Nov. 9 council voted 4-3 to approve the Grace Lake South development scheme and several associated zoning bylaws.

Councillors Niels Konge, Adrian Bell, Linda Bussey and Steve Payne voted in favour, while councillors Romel Silverio, Julian Morse and Shauna Morgan voted against. It was the first council meeting since the newly-elected councillors were sworn in earlier this month.

The subdivision south of the Kam Lake neighbourhood would include a set-back from the lake that is expected to include a walking trail. The neighbourhood will also feature a golf course where the Arctic Farmer sod farm is now located.

One letter against the development was submitted from Ann Peters for the hearing of objections, which began the council meeting.

She stated the development isn't part of the city's Smart Growth Plan or general plan and isn't needed.

"There is no urgent need for the proposed development, in terms of meeting Yellowknife housing needs," Peters' letter states. "The time and effort required to pursue the Grace Lake South development will also take away from the capacity of the city and its residents to focus other issues of importance."

Councillors who voted against the idea said they agreed with Peters.

Morse expressed "serious concern" about the future costs associated with trucked water and sewer service to the neighbourhood. He also said he wished administration had provided council an in-depth briefing on the plans since four members of council were voting on the issue at their first meeting.

The changes in the bylaws "are clearly straying away from the general plan," Morgan said.

Konge urged councillors to remain open to changing things such as the city's general plan.

"I think it's important we do remain fluid and do listen to our constituents," Konge said.

Bussey said she supported the development but would still push for affordable housing and downtown redevelopment.

Bell spoke at length about the hazards of not providing varied housing stock options for residents.

"We've got to have land available," Bell said.

No one from the public spoke for or against the idea at the meeting.

City website now features employee directory

Mayor Mark Heyck announced at the Nov. 9 council meeting that the city website once again includes an employee directory.

That element was removed when the city launched a new website.

The directory lists all employees of the city by name, title, phone number and e-mail address.

"Now there are multiple options for residents to get in touch with city staff," Heyck said, prompting applause from Coun. Niels Konge.

Several councillors during the last term had urged city administration to restore the directory and place individual city councillor e-mail addresses back on the website.

Heyck's comments came as he noted the new website has won an international web design award.

The city, along with eSolutionsGroup, received a platinum award in the 2015 MarCom Awards competition in the digital media, municipality category. MarCom Awards are a competition for individuals and companies in the marketing and communications industry, which garner up to 6,000 entries from around the globe.

Platinum is the highest level of recognition.

"We're very, very proud of the work that went into that project and the ability it gives us to communicate more positively and creatively with our residents and visitors," Heyck said.

Alty named deputy mayor

Coun. Rebecca Alty, who received the most votes of any of those who ran for a council seat last month, was named the city's deputy mayor Monday.

The deputy mayor position is largely ceremonial, but the person steps in to represent the city when the mayor is not available. The deputy mayor also chairs council and municipal services committee meetings when the mayor is away. The mayor runs those meetings, but does not cast a vote unless there is a tie.

Re-elected Coun. Linda Bussey served as deputy mayor at the end of the last council term, taking over from Cory Vanthuyne.

Also on Monday night, councillors determined who among them will sit on city committees.

Coun. Romel Silverio will be on the audit committee, which deals with the city's audit process.

Coun. Adrian Bell will be on the Board of Revision. That quasi-judicial body hears and rules on complaints against property assessments. Coun. Niels Konge is the alternate on that committee.

Coun. Linda Bussey will remain the council representative on the community advisory board on homelessness. She also will remain on the social issues committee.

Konge will be on the Yellowknife combative sports commission, which regulates things such as mixed martial arts events. He also remains on the city's development appeal board with Silverio as his alternate. That quasi-judicial body hears and rules on challenges to city-approved developments.

Coun. Shauna Morgan will be on the community energy planning committee. She was involved in developing the city's energy retrofit loans program.

Councillors Steve Payne and Alty will sit on the grant review committee, which decides which groups will receive city funding.

Coun. Julian Morse will sit on the heritage committee.

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