Annual Report from your President & Executive Director 2019

INSTANT ADVENTURE Yk’s own Travelling Foody shows us how to be tourists in our own town

YELLOWKNIFE NORTHERN ROAD TO UNIVERSITY AIR FORCE RICHES Is this an idea whose time is Changes at YZF are making We’ve heard about Grays about to come? life for passengers and Bay but what’s in it for Yk? stakeholders a little easier

INCLUDES THIS YEAR’S CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY Your Northern Legal Experts

John Donihee B.Sc., M.E.S., LL.B., LL.M. 613 217 8521 [email protected]

Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP provides Julie Abouchar expert legal advice on environmental, Indigenous B.Sc., LL.M. legal issues, energy and resource development 416 862 4836 matters in ’s Northern Territories. [email protected]

Charles J. Birchall LL.B., LL.M., B.A. 613 761 2424 [email protected]

Joanna Vince B.Sc., J.D. 416 862 4830 [email protected]

Carl McKay B.A., LL.B. 416 862 4831 [email protected]

Julia Paillé B.Sc., J.D. 867 988 3543 [email protected]

Raeya Jackiw B.Sc., MES, J.D. 416 862 4827 [email protected]

www.willmsshier.com | 5103 – 48th Street, Suite 203 , N.W.T., Canada X1A 1N5

19-017 (WS Mining Ad - Full Pg)3.indd 1 2019-08-15 4:21 PM TABLE OF CONTENTS

Annual Report from your President & Executive Director 2019

INSTANT ADVENTURE Yk’s own Travelling Foody shows us how to be tourists in our own town ON THE COVER 6 19 Photo by Leanne Tait, YELLOWKNIFE NORTHERN ROAD TO UNIVERSITY AIR FORCE RICHES Is this an idea whose time is Changes at YZF are making We’ve heard about Grays about to come? life for passengers and Bay but what’s in it for Yk? aka The Travelling Foody of stakeholders a little easier INCLUDES THIS YEAR’S CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY www.travellingfoody.com Is Yk ready for a UNIVERSITY? INSIDE 4 President & Executive director’s report 2019

6 Is YK ready for a University 6 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider FEATURES 25 19 YZF Evolves

25 Critical Coastal Connection

33 MEMBERS DIRECTORY 2019

43 MEMBER PROFILES Chief Drygreese 43 Conference Centre Inkit Limited Avier Group of Companies

50 INSTANT VACATION 58 MEMBER PROFILES 44 YK Motors CAM Financial

62 MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Yellowknife Chamber Insider is published for YellowknifeAttention Chamber of Commerce Getters #21 4802 50th Avenue, Yellowknife, NT X1A 1C4 •After Tel 38 867-920-4944 Years, Inkit Refocusing • www.YKChamber.com on Agency Work Published by Inukshuk PublishingY k “It’s taking into consideration who the different audiences 303 - 5103 48th street, Yellowknife, NT X1A 1N5 • Tel 867-920-2076 • www.inuks.ca are and things that are important for them.” Printed in Canada • Publication Mail Agreement • Number 42882516 fter 38 years in operation, creative image crafter production,” says Marriott, who began with the company in Inkit Ltd. is refocusing and dedicating its resources 1991 and became an owner in 1998. “I still have mixed emotions to the graphic design and advertising agency parts about it, because that is how we started,” says Marriott, noting of its business. Yellowknife thereChamber used to be Insider two staff dedicated | to screen 2019 printing and that | 3 almost all staff have been involved in it in some way over the TheA company has built a steady base of clients throughout the years. However, with changes in technology, the demand has decades. Its website boasts more than 500 customers, with more slowly dwindled. than 10,000 projects completed to date. This includes work for the territorial government, , mining companies, “It was a really difficult decision to let go of it because itis various businesses and not-for-profits. part of our history, but sometimes you have to make hard decisions.” Inkit began offering embroidery services in 2011. “We’ve done a lot of different things,” says Dawna Marriott, Requests “weren’t as often as we hoped they’d be,” says President and Project Manager. “In fact, that’s my favourite: that Marriott, noting Inkit’s machinery was suited for large jobs, and we do a lot of different things. It’s pretty hard to get bored because most embroidery requests that came in were for smaller orders. you’ve got so many different things coming at you.” Marriott says she’s excited about how the change will give the company more time to focus on their core functions. “We still But projects will no longer include in-house screen printing have a really big base of clients,” she says. “(This) allows us to or embroidery. This year, Inkit sold its screen printing and focus more.” embroidery equipment to a business in , Alta. While they continue to oversee print/production for many of NEW DIGS their projects, they will utilize suppliers rather than handing the production in-house. The company also sold its building; it didn’t need as much space once the screen printing and embroidery equipment “We’re just trying to focus more on the design and advertising, were gone. It now rents space from the Avier building on the agency aspects, rather than having our fingers into actual 48th Street. 44 PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT& 2019

he Yellowknife Chamber of space is available for our community’s 30 years this event has been a mainstay Commerce is your business diverse needs and preparing for potential in the calendars of Yellowknifers, and an network! With 394 local development at the Yellowknife Airport. important opportunity for local businesses. businesses as members, we’re dedicated to supporting and promoting We advocate at the municipal, territorial EDUCATION Tthe Yellowknife business community. Our and federal level – for up-to-date mission is to be a leader in the improvement information on our advocacy efforts, visit Access to affordable training and and development of a strong Yellowknife our website: www.YKChamber.com. professional development opportunities has business community with a diversified been consistently reported as an important economy and sustainable growth. We work PROMOTION issue facing Yellowknife businesses. In our to achieve this mission by focusing on five 2019 membership survey, businesses were key areas: Advocacy, Promotion, Education, We run a number of initiatives designed asked what type of training they need to Connections and Savings. to create opportunities for Yellowknife increase their business capacity and 48 per businesses to promote the products and cent of survey respondents indicated that ADVOCACY services they offer. Our 2018 #ShopYK they require media and marketing training, passport program, in partnership with the followed by human resource management We’ve proudly been the voice of business City of Yellowknife, had 51 participating (43 per cent), management (40 per cent), in Yellowknife since 1946! And our voice businesses and saw $816,000 spent locally and customer service (33 per cent). We will is loud – we’ve been engaged with 15 through the campaign. continue to facilitate training by leveraging different issues in the first half of 2019. local expertise and providing opportunities Our E-Blast service also continues to be that are not otherwise available locally. Recently, we made a formal submission a popular option for promotion. Chamber to the City of Yellowknife regarding members have the opportunity to send Our Lunch & Learn sessions have included the Community Plan. We believe that a professional, stylized e-mail promoting themes like human rights for businesses, in planning for the future, the City of sales, events, or business news to our hiring foreign workers, debt collection, and Yellowknife should pay close attention to 700+ subscribers. Our biggest event of intellectual property protection. four key matters: the lack of commercial the year, the Spring Trade Show, was a land availability, making better use of resounding success with 185 exhibitors Similarly, we’ve hosted four Business Club the spaces currently available, ensuring and 7,650 people in attendance. For over Luncheons in the first half of 2019, regarding

4 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider 2019 BOARD MEMBERS

PRESIDENT Kyle Thomas With Media & Yellowknife Online

1ST VICE PRESIDENT Alayna Ward Kyle Thomas Deneen Everett President Executive Director Award Communications

2ND VICE PRESIDENT Tim Syer a range of topics, from an announcement membership. We’re proud to offer you Lawson Lundell LLP about the GNWT’s Mineral Resources Act, discounts on merchant services with First to the Innovative Solutions Canada federal Data, fuel savings with Esso and shipping TREASURER program (which offers funds to innovators), discounts with UPS. Daryl Fetaz to an update on the Yellowknife City Gold Northland Utilities Project, and even a review of Canada’s This year, 23 businesses registered for Inclusive Trade Campaign. our Member2Member discount program, PAST PRESIDENT which provides an opportunity for Mike Lalonde CONNECTIONS Chamber members to offer discounts to Century 21 Prospect Realty other Chamber members. Discounts for Our annual Business Award Gala 2019 include 10 per cent off all product DIRECTOR recognizes and celebrates the Yellowknife lines at Monitor North, 10 per cent off Paul Betsina business community. In 2018, 250 people products and services from Samantha Det’on Cho Corporation attended this extravagant evening Stuart Photography, 10 per cent off digital which included 10 award presentations printing services at Signed, a 15 per cent DIRECTOR ranging from the Trailblazers Women in discount at Yellowknife Sport Fishing, and Paul Gillard Business Award, to Corporate Business a $1,000 discount on home solar systems Northwestel of the Year, Aboriginal Entrepreneurship at Solvest, to name a few. and Young Entrepreneur of the Year. For DIRECTOR 2019, we’ve added one new award – the We, of course, continue to offer Natalie Kellar Innovation Award, which will recognize discounted rates to our Chamber Avery Cooper & Co. Ltd. a business that is pushing conventional Members for our programs and events to boundaries and disrupting and reshaping ensure maximum savings. DIRECTOR their industry and our community through Bright Lubansa innovative achievements. It takes a team to pull together the Northview Apartment REIT Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce’s Through our annual travel program, diverse programs and advocacy efforts. Discover, we take Yellowknifers on the trip Thank you to our dedicated Board of DIRECTOR of a lifetime! There’s no better way to build Directors and staff – Executive Assistant, Jo-Ann Martin business connections than on the Great Angela Heal and Programs Coordinator, Bullocks’ Bistro Wall of China, or a train ride to Machu Katie Weaver. Picchu or on the beautiful beaches of Bali. DIRECTOR Our next destination? We’re heading to We’d also like to recognize our Platinum Brittany Scott South Africa! Sponsor – First Air; and our Corporate Denroche & Associates Gold Sponsors: CIBC, Northwestel, SAVINGS Northland Utilities, Crowe MacKay LLP, DIRECTOR Lawson Lundell, and Northview Rob Warburton Our membership with the Canadian Apartment REIT. CloudWorks Chamber of Commerce allows us to share their value-added programs with our CHEERS TO THE YEAR AHEAD! Is Yk ready for a UNIVERSITY?

6 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider By John Curran

Feasibility Study Highlights Benefits, Path Forward for New Polytechnic School

The idea of a university in Yellowknife is not new, but since last June when the GNWT released its Aurora College Foundational Review the concept has certainly been gaining momentum.

The review recommended transitioning Aurora College into a polytechnic insti- tution capable of granting both college diplomas and university degrees. It also suggested the polytechnic institution be headquartered in Yellowknife, rather than at Aurora College’s main campus located in Fort Smith, with a community satellite campus continuing to be main- tained there as well as in Inuvik.

In the fall, the GNWT accepted or partial- ly accepted all recommendations except the decision to establish a polytechnic campus in Yellowknife, which was deferred until an undetermined future date.

StrategyCorp Inc. (SCI) has since de- livered its report titled University Feasi- bility and Benefits Study to the City of Yellowknife and it also favours a poly- technic school based in the capital, illus- trating many benefits that would accrue to both the city and the broader NWT if that’s the way the territorial government decides to go.

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 7 8 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider FEATURES

Employment Requirements For Future NWT Jobs

Data source: Conference Board of Canada

“A polytechnic university in Yellowknife maximizes local opportunity, accessibility, and affordability”

“StrategyCorp’s report is written with ing NWT’s post-secondary system lies A polytechnic university is most aligned the recognition that the City of Yellow- in establishing a polytechnic university with NWT’s labour market needs, adds knife, as a municipal government, does that can meet current challenges and the report. not possess the legislative or regulatory opportunities,” states the report. authority to establish alternate models “Over the next 15 years, 28,500-36,700 of post-secondary education delivery Advancing the idea would mean an job openings are projected to emerge (e.g. university),” states the report. opportunity to set a new vision and en- in the NWT, of which 78 per cent will “Rather, this report is an examination of ergy – and to specialize in areas where require both college-based and univer- the community’s and territory’s capacity Yellowknife and the NWT can lead. sity-based post-secondary education to support and sustain a new post-sec- and/or work experience,” says SCI. “98 ondary institution (e.g. university, poly- It would also mean the chance to offer per cent of these jobs will be to replace technic university, satellite campus).” programming specialized and aligned retirees or outward migrants (Confer- with immediate and near-term labour ence Board of Canada).” SCI also stressed that it gave no con- market needs for both applied and ac- sideration to the specific program or ademic learning (as well as Indigenous It pointed to the fact industry, govern- strategic mandates and priorities of student needs), such as: ment, and businesses currently rely on Aurora College. southern Canadian institutions to edu- • Upgrading (GED) offerings, adult cate the local labour force and provide “As such, this study focuses on provid- literacy, ESL and FSL; university-level skills training. Anecdotal- ing a third-party analysis of the feasibil- ly, it added that many positions requiring • Professional development; ity of a university (or variation thereof) post-secondary education are being filled instead of evaluating the current model • Nursing, social work, mining, by employees without higher education. in place (i.e. Aurora College),” it states. education, environmental studies; “A polytechnic university is the best of The study reviewed key education de- • Construction trades, heavy both worlds: it follows a made-in-NWT livery model options including college, equipment operating; and, solution that builds on the existing assets polytechnic university, university model, and programming of Aurora College, and university satellite (branch) campus. • Arts and culture, Indigenous while testing and refining new universi- languages and governance. ty-based programming as it evolves,” “The most feasible path to transform- says SCI.

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 9 What could it look like? which a built-from-scratch campus serving value or purchase costs for a cam- 200 full-time and 4,000 part-time students pus, nor does it propose a location.” While researchers admit there are many would be erected somewhere in Yellow- The report included multiple case-study- ways a new, Yellowknife-based polytech- knife at a cost of up to $80 million. style examples of the economic impact, nic university could take shape, they did such as Sackville, N.B. where Mount Alli- identify one possible vision for the insti- “The model presented is high-level son University increases the town’s pop- tution in order to better define potential and directional,” the report cautions, ulation by 42 per cent during the school benefits and challenges. Specifically they “it is only intended to show poten- year, supporting local business as part- considered a “new campus model” in tial options ... It does not factor in land time labour and clientele.

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Editor’s note: This is the projected operating profile and costing associated with one possible model of a Yellowknife polytechnic university serving 200 full-time and 4,000 part-time students. Base Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Student Breakdown (FTE) Total Students 800 840 882 926 972 1021 % enrolment growth 5% 5% 5% 5% 5%

Program Growth Current diploma and trade based programs (continued) 14 14 14 14 14 14 Current partnership programs 2 2 2 2 2 2 New Polytechnic Programs 2 3 4 5

# of Program 16 16 18 19 20 21

Polytechnic Transition Costs New program costs (cummulative) $1.3M $2.3M $3.2M $4.3M $5.3M Current diploma and trade based programs (continued) $1.1M $0.5M

Revenues $57M $59M $63M $66M $71M Government contributions $37M $39M $41M $44M $46M % of total expenses 66% 66% 66% 66% 66% Tuition $2.1M $2.1M $2.2M $2.3M $2.4M

Total Operating expenses (in M $) $56,605 $59,390 $62,638 $66,498 $70,552 Data source: Strategy Corp Inc.

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 11 FEATURES

“The university supports provincial In- The other benefits for the city identi- ket demand – an issue both the GNWT digenous growth through its Aborigi- fied in the report are somewhat hard- and the City of Yellowknife are working nal Community Development Centre,” er to quantify, but, many would argue, to address.” writes SCI. “Employment by the univer- equally as important: Fostering creativity; sity makes up 15-35 per cent of the area’s Supporting Indigenous culture and gov- Next Steps total jobs, while the university’s capital ernance; Sparking debate and civic en- campaign in 2018-19 spent $468,000 in gagement; Contributing to municipal and Everything hinges on the GNWT at this the community. For every dollar spent by social infrastructure; Encouraging collab- point; with a commitment to a polytech- Mount Allison, another dollar was spent oration across society and business; and, nic university, it is just a matter of time be- somewhere else in the region.” Establishing a global presence. fore Yellowknife transitions into the new centre of learning, according to SCI. Thanks to its increased revenues, the Challenges Exist town’s strategic plan identifies invest- “The GNWT response to the Aurora ment towards infrastructure expansion To achieve the targets and potential College Foundational Review com- and housing development as key priori- benefits identified in the report, SCI mits the NWT to a polytechnic vision, ties. Elsewhere in the province UNB Saint adds the new polytechnic university will but defers the decision to base an ex- John offers sustainable projects and de- require a core focus on marketing to panded campus in Yellowknife,” states velopment to an otherwise industrial city. create new student demand over time – the report. “The GNWT’s Response to including recruiting southern and inter- the Review provides the City with the “The university purchases $40 million in national students. opportunity to work with the GNWT to goods and services from the local com- create clear and evident conditions to munity,” states the report. “ struggles with low- support establishing a polytechnic uni- er educational outcomes compared to versity in Yellowknife.” “The student body increases the city’s much of southern Canada – this directly population by around 11,000 ... Student affects the readiness and supply of stu- spending off-campus in Saint John is dents for post-secondary opportunities,” roughly $25 million [annually].” the report states. “ is facing a continued population decline University salaries total around $45 (population decline of 1,092 by 2040) and million and UNB Saint John contributes the population is aging (in NWT, there roughly $100 million to the provincial will be 5,486 more people aged 65 and Yk Chamber Member Support for GDP and adds about 700 jobs to the city. over by 2040) … A polytechnic university focused on attracting students from out- a Polytechnic University While it’s hard to quantify exactly what side the NWT may help stem the outmi- the benefit would be for Yellowknife, giv- gration trend.” en its size, researchers are confident it would be noticeable. The other big challenge facing any po- tential new school would be ensuring For example, they write, “In a smaller there are sufficient community supports centre, the university had a greater impact to make it an affordable destination for on the local economy in the past calendar students to study and live. year than the University of .” “Addressing the issue of affordable SCI also points out that there may be and available student housing is key to additional opportunities to boost the im- attracting southern Canadian and in- pact by attracting more research projects. ternational students,” states the report. “Overall, the cost of modest, basic stan- “Improving competitiveness for, and dard living is rising at a 4 per cent rate access to, federal research funding can annually in Yellowknife [compared to the have a positive effect on the GDP of the national average of roughly 2 per cent] … NWT – every dollar invested in a universi- Low vacancy rates (4.2 per cent in 2017) ty can generate $1.36 in economic activi- mean that there are insufficient (afford- ty,” states the report. able) housing units to meet current mar- Data source: Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce

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Yellowknife, NT, X1A 3B5 Yellowknife [email protected] Insider | 2019 | 13 FEATURES

A LOCAL POLYTECHNIC CAN PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS TO SOCIETY AND THE ECONOMY

Fostering creativity • A polytechnic balances the applied learning of a college with the conceptual thinking of a university, allowing the local arts scene and intellectual debate to flourish • Polytechnics can leverage academic networks to spark new approaches to culture, language, history, and sciences that reflect the unique identity of local peoples Supporting Indigenous culture and governance • Indigenous peoples should see themselves reflected in their institutions. Polytechnics can integrate traditional knowledge and elder learning into culturally relevant, academic and applied learning that supports language and culture, governance, and landbased learning • Polytechnic status can help faculty capture federal research funding, creating opportunities to partner with Indigenous groups on issues of importance to Indigenous communities Sparking debate and civic engagement • A polytechnic university in a capital city provides government support for evidence-based policy-making, while challenging government to be innovative • Faculty can be leveraged for their expertise and experience on territorial, federal, and municipal matters • For residents, access to higher education has shown to increase civic engagement, enhancing citizens’ role in community decision making Contributing to municipal and social infrastructure • A campus presence contributes to the revitalization of the downtown core and spurs investment in infrastructure (e.g. housing) • Campuses create social space for communities to share, making a community more welcoming and engaging

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14 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider FEATURES

Encouraging collaboration across society and business • Polytechnics can leverage their intellectual and infrastructural assets to identify solutions to socio-economic challenges • Companies based near polytechnics can take advantage of local talent • A polytechnic can solve real world R&D and commercialization problems for local firms through close partnerships with industry Driving economic growth • Polytechnics are serious contributors to economic growth through training, research, and partnerships with local entrepreneurs and governments • Polytechnics provide students with the applied learning and critical thinking skills required to compete in increasingly competitive labour market – polytechnics themselves are a major source of investment and employment • Polytechnics can support economic diversity through the incubation of the knowledge economy, creating new economic sectors long-term Establishing a global presence • Polytechnics can help put communities on the map, attracting talent and attention • International students can bring talent and diversity to the community, as well as new opportunities • A polytechnic university in Yellowknife would strengthen the NWT’s position in Circumpolar research and policy • Long-term, a polytechnic university can strengthen tourism attraction for a community Attracting research and innovation • Faculty will be able to attract research funding to identify and solve NWT-specific challenges that support innovation • Established research partnerships can drive change in scientific methods or public policy at the regional and national levels

Sources: (1) Stakeholder Interviews; (2) Polytechnics Canada; (3) Council of Universities; (4) StrategyCorp Subject Matter Experts; (5) Conversation Canada (6) Harvard Business Review

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Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 15 FEATURES

It points to several advantages Yellow- knife has compared to other locations in YELLOWKNIFE the NWT:

ACCOUNTING • NWT students are more likely to pur- PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION sue education and career opportunity in a larger city centre; An Independent Canadian Member Our Services of AGN International Accounting and Compilation • As a capital city and NWT’s largest Audits and Reviews community, Yellowknife is much more likely to attract investment, research dol- Taxation lars, and immigration (including interna- Management Consulting tional students);

• Yellowknife offers students greater ac- cess to amenities, public transportation, housing, and recreational facilities that improve the student experience;

• Yellowknife offers greater access to labour market and opportunities in key territorial industries;

• In practice, other jurisdictions head- quarter satellite universities in major cen- tres as a matter of practicality and access to policy-makers; and,

• The new Associate Deputy Minister of P.O. Box 20072, 4910 – 50th Street, 2nd Floor, EPR Yellowknife Building, Yellowknife, NT X1A 3X8 Phone: (867) 669-0242 • Fax: (867) 669-7242 • Email: [email protected] Post-Secondary Education (overseeing Website: www.epryellowknife.ca polytechnic transition) will be based in Yellowknife.

“A polytechnic university in Yellowknife Go further maximizes local opportunity, accessibility, while staying here. and affordability,” concludes the report. Support in the Communities LANGUAGE SCHOOL In January of this year, the Town of Fort Smith, the Town of Inuvik and the City of Yellowknife came together to make a joint French English statement about the idea of a new school, and pointed to their shared interest in Tłı̨chǫ Spanish strong post-secondary opportunities for residents, communities and all Northerners as the impetus. “Together, as the three communities currently hosting Aurora College campuses, we POST-SECONDARY urge the Government of the Northwest • Business Administration Territories (GNWT) to establish a clear vision for post-secondary education – • Tourism Management Program specifically a polytechnic university – in • Early Childhood Education the Northwest Territories (NWT). • Special Education Assistant

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“A strong knowledge economy benefits the entire NWT. Without a WE ARE HIRING! university presence in the NWT we face Licenced Architects enormous lost opportunities to advance the academic, social and economic Licenced Engineers advantages for all Northerners, as well COME GROW WITH US! as the ability to attract academics and students from elsewhere who would benefit from the opportunities for learning and research in the NWT. We believe that no decision should be made that would be a detriment to any NWT community.” At the time Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty stated, “Modern, relevant post-secondary opportunities in the NWT that can inspire social, economic and educational development in our communities and across the NWT is a win for all Northerners, and Yellowknife looks forward to working with the GNWT and other communities to advance this meaningfully.”

Fort Smith Mayor Lynn Napier-Buckley and Inuvik Mayor Natasha Kulikowski made similar comments of support. The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce has taken the formal position that post- secondary transformation in the NWT is needed and that the head office of any post-secondary institution should be 3528 McDonald Drive, Yellowknife (867) 873-3266 www.guyarchitects.com based in Yellowknife. However, it also believes that there is an important role for the Fort Smith and Inuvik campuses, and it supports the City’s position that PROUDLY NORTHERN OWNED AND OPERATED they are each “well positioned to focus on specialized programming and their continued role is important to move ahead successfully.”

In a letter of support sent to Alty and the City of Yellowknife by Chamber President Kyle Thomas and Executive Director Deneen Everett, they point out that they were pleased with the quality of SCI’s study and it’s unbiased, evidence-based approach. “We are pleased to offer our support to the City of Yellowknife, for the GNWT to establish a clear post-secondary vision and to advance a polytechnic university in Yellowknife,” they wrote, adding that in the organization’s annual membership survey, some 74.5 per cent of member respondents supported the idea with only 14.5 per cent opposed.

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 17 Proudly Promoting GRANDE PRAIRIE & REGION

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18 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider FEATURES

Photo courtesy of GNWT

EVOLVESVital Air Hub Changes to Meet Growing Demand, New Fiscal Realities YBy Graham Chandler ZF You may not have noticed, but on Canada of Infrastructure to a self-sustaining entity. Randy Straker, Acting Regional Airport Day two years ago, a momentous change The new arrangement set up a revolving Manager. “To date, revenues generated occurred at the Yellowknife Airport (YZF). fund. Under it, all funds generated at the by the airport improvement fee and in- But that in turn prompted many more airport stay at the airport and are rein- creased aeronautical fees have been con- updates, many of which you probably vested at the airport, so it operates just sistent with projections and assumptions have noticed. That big 2017 change trans- like most businesses and supports its own contained in the business plan. At this ear- formed the status of YZF from a funded growth opportunities. The result has been ly stage of the revolving fund, the airport line item within the Government of the positive. “The switch to a self-sustaining is on course for financial self-sufficiency Northwest Territories (GNWT) Department model has been very successful,” says under the current fees structure.” Much

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 19 FEATURES

“Over 575,000 passengers pass through YZF every year and that’s growing.” of Yellowknife Airport’s income is current- way to communities in the North and It all adds up to a lot of responsibility ly generated through aeronautical fees plays a major role in supporting industry, and it shows. Passenger traffic through including landing, terminal, and aircraft tourism and the overall quality of life in YZF has more than doubled since the parking fees. The airport improvement the North. It is one of the 26 airports in late 1980s and is expected to continue fee is also a significant revenue source Canada included in the National Airports to grow faster than the national aver- and is used for capital projects exclusive- System (NAS). Transport Canada defines age forecast for the top 100 airports in ly. Non-aeronautical revenues include the NAS as those strategic infrastructure Canada. Over 575,000 passengers pass commercial leases, parking, and adver- assets essential to Canada’s air transpor- through YZF every year and that’s grow- tising. YZF hopes to supplement these. tation system. ing. Forecasters attribute the increases to “Part of our 20-year plan will be to look at tourism – particularly the growing Asian ways of developing non-aeronautical rev- As such, the airport hosts extensive market – and higher business travel de- enues,” says Straker. On the expenditure commercial activities that rely on qual- mand, including mining personnel on side, “Our primary expenditures fall un- ity aviation facilities and services. And shift changes. der operations and maintenance as well non-aviation related businesses are at- as contracted services, such as security.” tracted because of available land and And growth marches on. “Yellowknife ready access. Further, YZF services fed- Airport continues to serve more travel- Nationally Important Airport eral and territorial aviation needs as- lers,” says Straker. “Passenger numbers sociated with DND, forest fire fighting, through the air terminal building grew by YZF is a vital piece of Canadian infra- medevac and charter aircraft operations about four per cent last year.” Contribut- structure. It is the primary aviation gate- and base facilities. ing to the gain has been new routes by

20 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider FEATURES the regular airlines. For example, “Yel- of sectors, when you consider the related number of key airport community stake- lowknife Airport has established year- economic impact. The study also report- holders and the general public. round non-stop service to Vancouver with ed that organizations based at the airport Air Canada as well as a second seasonal directly produced over $170 million in Feedback highlighted the need for active direct flight,” he says. Indeed, YZF is a Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and ac- engagement with stakeholders and pre- significant economic driver for the City tivity at YZF contributed over $45 million sentation of a clearly articulated vision for of Yellowknife and the NWT overall. Ac- in various taxes. the future of the airport. Addressed were cording to an earlier economic impact linkages to economic benefits that would study leading up to the self-sustaining A Winning Strategy be driven by future development at YZF. model implementation, more than 1,000 For example, to make YZF a destination people are employed on and around air- To bolster and grow these numbers, YZF point by way of terminal building renova- port lands doing aviation things and it developed its change management strat- tions to make it more tourist friendly and supports a total of 2,000 jobs in a variety egy and business plan, reaching out to a provide a sense of place for those arriv- ing in the NWT through YZF. This would include reviewing the costs and benefits of jet bridges to improve convenience for deplaning passengers especially in winter. PH 24HR Emergency 873-2775 873-1250 Additional recommendations were for a non-stop connection to Vancouver both for residents and to encourage one-stop travel for tourists from Japan, China, and Europe; and more domestic cargo routes in the North out of the YZF hub. For the latter, improvement of YZF’s standing in the airfreight sector and developing a multimodal freight cargo facility for North- ern cargo distribution were suggested.

Finally, a new business development focus was needed to help generate user bene- fits like enhanced efficiency in passenger processing, pre-camp screening, and car- go handling, for the resource sector.

Good Progress So Far

Many of the business plan’s recommen- dations are ongoing or complete. “Yel- lowknife Airport has made progress on several strategic improvements,” says Straker. “Including construction of a new and improved pre-board security screen- ing area and an improved layout and screening process.” He says enhanced food and beverage services are now available in the pre-boarding departures lounge, along with increased capacity. And upgrades to the oversized baggage screening and hold baggage screening are now complete. To the completed list he adds, “Opening of ‘The Cabin’ gift shop inside the main terminal build- ing, featuring a range of local craft items and other goods.” Last but not least, the design and geotechnical work for the new de-icing bay is well underway.

Around the airport, “There have been a few commercial developments at YZF 5209 Franklin Avenue Yellowknife, NT since the revolving fund was established,” says Straker. As well as the upgrades to Mon-Fri 7:00am – 8:00pm the general aviation area, and food and Sat 8:00am – 2:00pm www.adamdentalclinic.ca beverage in the pre-board departures lounge, demolition of the old mainte-

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 21 FEATURES

nance garage and improvements to park- as the Airline Consultative Committee, ing are now complete. “For the most part, the YZF Economic Advisory Committee, YZF is still in the planning phase of further City of Yellowknife, Yellowknife Chamber commercial developments and awaiting of Commerce, and Tourism work to en- completion of the comprehensive 20-year hance air service and expand connectivity master plan to help plan for the medium to in the North and beyond.” long term.” He expects the master plan will be completed this summer. Warm to Our Cold

Meanwhile for the upcoming 2019-20 fis- A potentially lucrative business opportunity cal year further investments are slated – seen for Yellowknife Airport is developing subject to budgetary approval. According the site as a world-class aircraft cold weath- to the current business plan, space in the er testing centre. “YZF has been working former airport fire hall is to be repurposed with the Yellowknife Airport Cold Weather for airport operations and management Testing Group (CWT) to target interna- offices, and second floor offices in the -air tional industry leaders by creating a video port terminal building will be redeveloped and brochure to be included in Destina- for air carriers’ use. A welcome change will tion Canada’s marketing program,” says be completion of the centralized de-icing Straker. The CWT Group is made up of the facility potentially with a renewed glycol City of Yellowknife, the GNWT’s Industry, retention pond liner. Airport and airfield Tourism, and Investment, NWT Tourism, improvements will include needed lighting and YZF. “Cold weather testing is a per- system upgrades and fencing renewals, fect example of how multiple agencies some airside mobile equipment upgrades, and vendors work together to produce and capacity enhancements to the com- material to target international aero- bined service building. space leaders through the marketing of Destination Canada,” he says. “Yellowknife Airport is always looking to boost tourism and create further econom- The concept has strong government sup- ic opportunities,” says Straker. It’s very port: “The [CWT] group’s goal is to en- Updated security departure gate. much a cooperative undertaking: “Con- sure Yellowknife is recognized by global Photo Courtesy of Yellowknife Chamber Insider. sulting with many key stakeholders such aerospace leaders as the number one

22 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider FEATURES

SUPPORTING THE

COMMUNITIES SUPPORTING THE WECOMMUNITIES LIVE IN WE LIVE IN

SMS EQUIPMENT HAS LOCAL PEOPLE SMSSERVING EQUIPMENT THE NORTH! HAS LOCAL PEOPLE SERVINGContact our THE Yellowknife NORTH! Representatives for information on machine sales, rentals, and parts & service. Contact our Yellowknife Representatives for information on machine sales, rentals, and parts & service. Yellowknife Office Branch 14 Ellesmere Drive YellowknifeYellowknife, Office NT Branch 14867-669-0738 Ellesmere Drive smsequipment.comYellowknife, NT 867-669-0738

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SMS19-288 FEATURES

Updated oversize baggage area. Photo Courtesy of Yellowknife Chamber Insider.

Arctic cold weather testing destination,” increase revenue growth for Yellowknife tee and the Economic Advisory Commit- said Wally Schumann, Minister of Indus- Airport’s partners, and create an oppor- tee helps YZF determine the needs of the try, Tourism and Investment in a recent tunity to diversify the Northwest Territo- carriers, needs of businesses, as well as op- sitting of the Legislative Assembly. “Cold ries’ winter tourism markets by develop- portunities for economic development.” weather testing offers significant oppor- ing a new sector of business tourism.” “A key component of our future direc- tunity and major economic benefits for “Going forward, partnerships with differ- tion is completion of the 20-year master the local economy. Visiting teams typical- ent groups and agencies will be key to plan,” adds Straker. “The master plan ly stay in the testing location for 30 to 90 continued growth in traffic which in turn process has been comprehensive and days and often include between 30 to 70 will drive improvements to the airport,” many stakeholder groups have been professionals such as engineers, pilots says Straker. “Consultation with groups consulted.” Stay tuned for more changes and support staff. This could significantly such as the Airline Consultative Commit- when that comes out.

CHIEF Drygreese Conference Centre Dettah, NT

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a national conference.

• Can hold up to 400 people • Equipped with LED screens and electronic whiteboards • Wheelchair accessible • Patio overlooking • Interpretation services available for Indigenous languages • Catering available

Contact us: Phone: 867-873-4307 Email: [email protected]

24 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider Critical Coastal By John Curran CONNECTION

Yellowknife Might Need Grays Bay Project As Much As

The on-again, off-again saga that is the proposed Grays Bay The project is the brainchild of a landmark partnership between Road and Port (GBRP) project is again back in favour with the the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) and the Government of Government of Nunavut and that’s something Yellowknifers and Nunavut, and if it comes to fruition would result in the first local businesses should celebrate. highway built in the history of Nunavut.

Proposed location of the Grays Bay Port. Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 25 FEATURES

Sabina’s 45 person permanent camp at the marine laydown area. Photo courtesy of Sabina Gold and Silver

The GBRP project would Construction is expected see the mineral-rich Slave “Given the timing, it could come at a time to run throughout the year Geological Province, which 10 years from now when the NWT over a four-year period. “In straddles Nunavut and the addition to the road and NWT, connected to Arctic is running out of diamond mines” port, the project will require shipping routes via a 232- construction of bridges and km all-season gravel road and a deep-water port at Grays culverts, quarries, tanks for storing diesel fuel, a runway, a rest Bay on the Coronation Gulf to the North. The Port would be station at Jericho Mine and other facilities needed to operate approximately 830 km north of Yellowknife via the resulting a port, such as a landfill, camp, power supply and sewage overland route. treatment,” wrote Paul Emingak, KIA’s executive director, in the proponents’ official submission to the Nunavut Impact Review “This is an historic moment in the relationship between Board (NIRB). an indigenous group the Crown,” said Patrick Duxbury, Advisor and Operations Support for the Nunavut Resources A project of this scale obviously wouldn’t come cheap Corporation (NRC). and current estimates for the GBRP are pegged at $487.5 million. This includes final planning, engineering and The NRC is an Inuit-owned corporation founded in 2010 by the environmental studies at $12.5 million; general mobilization Kitikmeot Inuit Association to diversify and develop the economy and demobilization at $39 million; materials and supplies at of Nunavut by attracting investment capital to the region. $65 million; on-site work $286 million; and a contingency of $85 million. “Inuit are not passive junior partners in this enterprise but are rather co-proponents and joint developers with the “This may also be expressed as the road will cost an estimated Government of Nunavut in pushing this project forward within $400 million and the port $87.5 million,” explained Jim Stevens, the federal government and within the private sector.” Nunavut’s Assistant Deputy Minister of Transportation.

26 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider FEATURES

NWT WANTS TO CONNECT Completing both the GBRP and the SGPC would help the North adapt to the increasing challenges of climate change To the south, the GNWT is championing a sister project by replacing winter roads with more reliable access. It would known as the Slave Geological Province Corridor (SGPC), also mean improved access and reduced operating costs for which would support road access, hydro transmission lines existing mines, and facilitate resource exploration and devel- and communications infrastructure into the same areas of opment activities throughout the region. All-weather access significant mineral potential from the south and provide a link would also support a green economy by enabling develop- for the GBRP to the rest of Canada with a year-round over- ment of the Taltson Hydro Expansion and Transmission Line land route in place of Tibbitt-Contwoyto Winter Road. project and it would enable the extraction of base and pre- cious metals required for low-carbon technologies. Perhaps The proposed two-lane gravel highway would be approxi- not quite as advanced as our neighbours’ portion of the con- mately 413 km in length and is estimated to cost about $1.1 templated route, the NWT corridor providing the greatest billion. While that sounds expensive, keep in mind that the economic benefit has already been identified, based on the historic value of production (in 2018 dollars) from mines with- results of mineral potential and routing options studies and in the 213,000-sq-km Slave Geological Province is $45 billion. analysis, and a financing business case analysis is underway.

Photos courtesy of MMG Canada. A year-round link from Yellowknife to the Arctic Coast would certainly enhance tourism opportunities, in addition to promoting more mineral exploration and development.

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 27 FEATURES

While an initial project submission under Transport Canada’s proposed route alone). The three diamond mines (Ekati, Dia- National Trade Corridors Fund was not accepted, the GNWT vik and Gahcho Kué) produced 20 million carats, $2 billion in has resubmitted the project under a Northern-specific call for revenue and employed over 3,000 people (FTE) in 2017 and proposals. Five development phases have been identified: En- contribute $1.1 billion to GDP directly, representing 28 per vironmental and Planning Studies; Replacement of the Frank cent of the NWT economy. Channel Bridge; Highway 4 to Lockhart Lake; Lockhart to Lac de Gras (diamond mines); and, Lac de Gras to the NWT/Nunavut Clinton said the existing mines and their current anticipated border. Next steps include engaging with Indigenous govern- lifespan really highlight why Yellowknife and the NWT should ments, NWT residents, and other stakeholders, completing a be supporting the GBRP and SGPC projects. business case and further planning. “Given the timing, it could come at a time 10 years from WHAT’S IN IT FOR YELLOWKNIFE? now when the NWT is running out of diamond mines,” he concluded. The lack of infrastructure is consistently cited as Impact Economics is an economic re- search firm based in the NWT capital owned and operated by Graeme Clinton. It has conducted much of the forecast- ing and modeling work surrounding the SAVE THE DATE GBRP project. He says while it would be virtually impossible to predict what the TH precise economic benefit of either proj- 47 ANNUAL ect would be for Yellowknife specifically, the result would certainly be positive. GEOSCIENCE There would be many opportunities for jobs and contracts, but it would come FORUM down to the available work force and business sector and their ability to sup- NOVEMBER 19 - 21, 2019 ply what’s needed, when it’s needed, at a competitive price.

“In the case of the GBRP, existing rela- OVER 700 DELEGATES, AND APPROXIMATELY 100 EXHIBITORS tionships with the Kitikmeot region will certainly play a part,” he said. “Nuna, for Sponsorship Registration Opens NWT MAX AWARDS example, is definitely going to be busy Opportunities August 2019 Nov 21, 2019 when this goes ahead.”

Clinton’s previous work does demon- Contact NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines strate that constructing the GBRP would Information 103-5102 50 Ave. Yellowknife, NT X1A 3S8 boost Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) through infrastructure-induced Tel: 867-873-5281 – Fax: 780-669-5681 Northern resource development – just Email: [email protected] the development of MMG Canada’s Izok Corridor Project, in concert with con- www.geoscienceforum.com struction of GBRP infrastructure will, over a 15-year period, raise Nunavut’s GDP by a total of $5.1 billion and Canada’s by $7.6 billion.

“Beyond the Izok project, with the NWT continuing to push for the south- ern portion of the route there is the potential for Yellowknife to have a year- round connection to the Arctic Coast and all of the opportunities that fall out downstream from that,” said Clinton.

Not including Izok Lake, the Slave Geological Province (SGP) has signifi- cant untapped mineral potential includ- ing several defined large base metal deposits (e.g. Hackett River at 82 mil- lion tonnes) and hundreds of base met- al and gold showings (372 along current

28 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider FEATURES a major impediment to exploration and development in the A firm commitment to the SGPC would extend existing mine region. In a 2016 study of relative mining costs, Schodde de- life and drive an immediate increase in exploration activity termined that costs for mining projects are 40 per cent to 170 along the proposed route. per cent higher in the NWT than in southern regions of Cana- da. The NWT and NU Chamber of Mines (2018) suggests that STRONG SUPPORT NATIONALLY capital expenditures can be 2.5 times higher in the North and that exploration expenditures can be six times higher. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has already passed a motion of support calling on the government to advance The SGPC would open up access for development of small the project after the Yellowknife Chamber, as part of the Ter- base metal and gold deposits such as those in the Cameron ritorial Policy Committee, helped champion a policy resolu- River Beaulieu River Greenstone belt (e.g. Sunrise deposit 4 tion at the national group’s 89th Annual Meeting last year in million tonnes) along with large, lower grade gold deposits Thunder Bay, Ont. (e.g. Courageous Lake – over $15 billion in situ resources). “Each resolution, once approved by a convention, has an effective lifespan of three years and is brought to the atten- tion of appropriate federal government officials and other bodies to whom the recommendations are directed,” said Yellowknife Chamber President Kyle Thomas. “In the case of this resolution, we called on the federal government to immediately fund the GBRP to the tune of $19.46 million, 75 per cent of the overall cost needed to get the project to the point that it is shovel ready.”

Proponents said they will implement best practices to prevent sediment from entering waters to minimize harm to fish.

The Canadian Chamber also pushed for the feds to recognize the national impor- tance of the project and providing feder- al support for the remaining $529 million in capital costs.

“Sources for the capital needed could include the Canada Infrastructure Bank, existing infrastructure programs or one- time contributions,” said Thomas. “The Canadian Chamber certainly recognizes the value of investing in Northern infra- structure, it’s good to have that kind of support when going to Ottawa with this size of a request.”

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 29 Why Build It?

For most Northerners, the biggest boost from building the Grays Bay Road and Port (GBRP) would likely come in the form of long-term, stable good-paying jobs. The ex- act number of employees required to build We are a northern-owned company that offers a complete range of financial services and operate the road and port is actively including bookkeeping, payroll, and more, to keep your business running smoothly. being reviewed by the project partners. We also offer conference services. If you’re looking for a great place to hold a meeting, Earlier MMG estimates on the GBRP and let us take care of the details, so you can focus on running your business. its Izok Corridor mineral projects would 10% DISCOUNT ON CONFERENCE ROOM RENTALS TO ALL create 1,140 jobs during construction and some 710 jobs during production using a YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS. fly-in, fly-out rotational workforce. The GN 201, 5109-48th Street Yellowknife, NT X1A 1N5 is still working on GBRP-specific numbers, P. 867.920.4587 | F. 867.920.4592 | www.nfsfinancial.ca but it’s safe to say if the road goes ahead, a flurry of activity would likely ensue.

Although currently stalled due to poor economics, MMG Canada’s Izok Corridor project includes the Izok and High Lake You bring your bear, deposits located along the proposed route of the road. Izok is a rich zinc/copper we’ll supply the deposit with a mineral resource of 15 mil- lion tonnes at 13 per cent zinc and 2.3 per comfort. cent copper. The High Lake deposit, locat- ed north of Izok, has a mineral resource of 14 million tonnes at 3.8 per cent zinc and 2.5 per cent copper.

“MMG believes that the advancement of the Grays Bay Road and Port Project would help to improve the economics of the Izok Corridor Project,” said Sahba Safavi, President of MMG Canada. “The primary challenge for the project is the substan- tial infrastructure required to develop this project in Nunavut. There is a large infra- structure deficit in Nunavut, as well as the cost premium for any capital projects taking place in the North.” One and Two bedroom suites with full sized kitchens Board room rental | Mini convenience store on site Safavi concluded that there are many potential long-term benefits of the link to 5 minute walk to downtown business core tidewater at the Coronation Gulf. “[It] could be very substantial and deliver economic Yellowknife, NT Inuvik, NT , NU and social benefits in the North that stretch 867.669.6400 867.678.6300 867.975.4000 well beyond the scope of the Izok Corridor Project and be available to public and pri- www.capitalsuites.ca vate sector interests other than MMG.”

30 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider WWW.NAPEG.NT.CA

Northwest Territories & Nunavut Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists

If you are a Geoscientist or Engineer working North of 60º, The High Lake exploration camp don’t forget to register as a Professional. If you are already registered with a Canadian Professional Association, it is easy to add a northern registration. Building the GBRP is predicted to yield a wide range of benefits to Nunavut residents and other Canadians, including: • Boosting Canada’s gross domestic prod- uct (GDP) through infrastructure-induced Northern resource development – just the development of MMG Canada’s Izok Cor- ridor Project, in concert with construction of GBRP infrastructure will, over a 15-year period, raise Nunavut’s GDP by a total of $5.1 billion and Canada’s by $7.6 billion; • Stimulating new mineral exploration and NAPEG... Integrity and Excellence development activity in the resource-rich Slave Geological Province; • Supporting the economies of the NWT, Alberta and other jurisdictions that have exten- sive business relations with western Nunavut; DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APP FROM • Generating significant amounts of City Cab Yellowknife employment for Northern residents in a region that currently suffers from high unemployment; • Strengthening Northern sovereignty, safety and security; • Providing access to infrastructure for federal government departments and the ; • Connecting Nunavut to the rest of Canada and the world; • Providing Nunavut communities with access to goods and services from the NWT Commission scolaire francophone and beyond via a new overland route; Territoires du Nord-Ouest • Improving food security and reducing the cost L’école francophone, l’avantage par excellence! of living in western Nunavut communities; French-first language eductaion from Junior Kindergarden to Grade 12 • Providing cost-effective and climate change resilient transportation options for HAY RIVER École Boréale diamond mines in the Northwest Territories 145 Riverview – potentially extending the operating lives of these economically-important projects; and, YELLOWKNIFE KEVIN O’REILLY École Allain St-Cyr • Connecting Yellowknife with shorter 48 Taylor Rd access to tidewater and commercial shipping routes. [email protected] WWW.CSFTNO.COM 867-873-6555

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 31 Map courtesy of the Government of Nunavut The proposed port is located approximately 830 km north of Yellowknife.

32 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider MEMB E R SH I P DIRECTORY 2019

Photo source: Getty Images Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 33 MEMBERS DIRECTORY 2019

CONTENTS Heating & Mechanical 38 Accommodations & Conference Services 34 Heavy Equipment Sales & Rentals 38 Accounting & Bookkeeping 34 Home Decor, Appliances & Interior Design 38 Agriculture & Garden 34 Human Resource Professionals 38 Airlines & Airport Authorities 34 Industrial Services & Supplies 38 Architects 35 Inspection Services 38 Arts, Festivals & Entertainment 35 Janitorial Services 38 Associations & Not for Profit 35 Legal Services 38-39 Automotive & Recreational Vehicles 35 Logistics & Trucking Companies 39 Banks & ATMs 35-36 Media & Publishing 39 Building Materials & Supplies 36 Metal Fabricators & Welding 39 Communications & Marketing 36 Mining, Oil & Gas Companies 39 Computers, IT & Electronics 36 Moving and Storage 39 Construction Contractors 36 Office Products & Equipment 39 Consultants: General 36-37 Pet Services & Retail 39 Driving Schools 37 Petroleum Products 39 Education & Child Care 37 Photography 39 Energy & Utilities 37 Printing/Promotional Products 39 Engineering 37 Real Estate & Property Management 39-40 Event Planners & Rentals 37 Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee, Catering & Mobile Food Services 40 Finance & Insurance 37 Safety & First Aid Training 40 Fire Protection Services 37 Salons & Spas 40 Fitness, Sport & Recreation 37 Security Services 40 Florists 37 Shopping & Specialty Apparel 40 Funeral Services 37 Surveyors - Land 40-41 Government 37-38 Taxicabs 41 Graphic Design 38 Telephone & Internet Providers 41 Grocery & Wholesale 38 Travel & Tourism 41 Health & Wellness 38 Waste Management 41

Accommodations & Quality Inn & Suites EPR Yellowknife Accounting Arctic Turf Conference Services Yellowknife Professional Corporation (867) 445-7718 (867) 873-2601 (867) 669-0242 [email protected] Bayside B&B [email protected] [email protected] (867) 669-8844 www.choicehotels.ca www.epryellowknife.ca Borèal Flavour [email protected] (867) 444-9759 Super 8 Yellowknife Precision Accounting Co. www.baysidenorth.com [email protected] (867) 669-8888 (867) 988-1010 www.borealflavour.com Capital Suites Yellowknife [email protected] [email protected] (867) 669-6400 www.super8.com www.precisionacco.ca Airlines & Airport Authorities [email protected] SheBookie Bookkeeping www.capitalsuites.ca/yellowknife Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Canadian North Inc. Chateau Nova Yellowknife (780) 890-8600 Avery, Cooper & Co. (867) 446-2833 (867) 766-6682 [email protected] [email protected] (867) 873-3441 [email protected] www.canadiannorth.com [email protected] www.novahotels.ca www.averycooper.com The Canadian International Airport Explorer Hotel Payroll Association (780) 890-6760 Borealis Accounting Inc. (867) 873-3531 (403) 256-5792 [email protected] (867) 669-0173 [email protected] [email protected] www.flyeia.com [email protected] www.explorerhotel.ca www.payroll.ca www.borealisaccounting.com First Air Illu Bed & Breakfast (800) 267-1247 Chartered Professional Agriculture & Garden (867) 983-5173 [email protected] Accountants of the NWT/NU [email protected] Arctic Farmer Nursery www.firstair.ca (867) 873-5020 www.illuinc.com (867) 873-4477 [email protected] Great Slave Helicopters 2018 Ltd. [email protected] NFS Financial and www.cpa-nwt-nu.ca (867) 873-2081 www.arcticfarmer.com Conference Services Crowe MacKay LLP [email protected] www.gsheli.com (867) 920-4587 (867) 920-4404 [email protected] [email protected] Summit Air Group www.nfsfinancial.ca www.crowemackay.ca (867) 873-4464 CT Bookkeeping Services [email protected] (507229 NWT Ltd.) www.summitair.com (867) 444-9940 [email protected]

34 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider MEMBERS DIRECTORY 2019

Architects Denendeh Development NWT Seniors' Society Automotive & Recreational Corporation (867) 920-7444 Vehicles Guy Architects Ltd. (867) 920-2764 [email protected] (867) 873-3266 [email protected] www.nwtseniorssociety.ca Aurora Ford Yellowknife [email protected] www.denendeh.ca NWT Soccer Association (867) 920-9200 www.guy.com [email protected] ECO Canada - Environmental (867) 688-0105 www.auroraford.ca Nadji Architects Careers Organization of Canada [email protected] (867) 766-3333 (403) 233-0748 www.nwtsoccer.ca BOT Marine [email protected] [email protected] Rotary Club of Yellowknife (867) 446-6262 www.nadji-.ca www.eco.ca [email protected] (867) 444-2913 www.botmarine.com PSAV Architects Ltd. Edmonton Kingsway portal.clubrunner.ca/490 (867) 920-2609 Bumper to Bumper (o/a Business Association Skills Canada NWT [email protected] 5819 NWT Ltd.) (780) 454-9716 (867) 873-8743 www.psav.ca [email protected] [email protected] (867) 920-2244 Architecture www.edmontonkingsway.com www.skillscanadanwt.org [email protected] www.b2byk.com (867) 920-2882 Fédération Franco-Ténoise Sport North Federation [email protected] K & L Enterprises (867) 920-2919 (867) 669-8326 www.stantec.com [email protected] [email protected] (867) 873-4570 Taylor Architecture Group www.federation-franco-tenoise.com www.sportnorth.com [email protected] www.kandl.biz (867) 920-2728 Great Slave Sailing Club Stanton Territorial [email protected] [email protected] Polar Tech Recreation Hospital Foundation www.tagyk.com/ www.greatslavesailingclub.com (867) 873-8324 (867) 669-7289 [email protected] Habitat for Humanity [email protected] Arts, Festivals & www.polartech.com Entertainment Northwest Territories www.stantonfoundation.ca Superior Auto Body Ltd (867) 446-7867 The SideDoor Ministries [email protected] (867) 873-5253 aRTLeSS Collective Inc. (867) 766-3272 www.habitatnwt.ca [email protected] (867) 445-9655 [email protected] www.superiorautobodynt.ca [email protected] John Howard Society of NWT www.sidedooryk.com www.vimeo.com/artlesscollective Yellowknife Motors (867) 920-4276 The Tree of Peace (867) 766-5000 Folk on the Rocks [email protected] Friendship Centre www.johnhoward.ca [email protected] (867) 688-1004 (867) 873-2864 www.yellowknifemotors.com [email protected] Music NWT [email protected] www.folkontherocks.com www.musicnwt.ca www.ttopfc.com Banks & ATMs Music Interchange Northern Aboriginal Business Yellowknife Association (867) 444-8341 Association (NABA) for Community Living Bank of Montreal [email protected] (867) 873-6222 (867) 920-2644 (867) 873-6261 www.musicinterchange.ca [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Robbie Craig's Northern Projects www.northernbusiness.org www.ykacl.ca www.bmo.com (867) 873-4589 NWT & NU Association of Yellowknife Elks Lodge 314 CIBC [email protected] Professional Engineers (867) 873-4563 (867) 873-4452 x304 www.rcraig.org and Geoscientists [email protected] [email protected] www.cibc.com Welders Daughter (867) 920-4055 www.ykelks.com (604) 751-0470 [email protected] Yellowknife Farmers Market Cold Cash ATM Inc. [email protected] www.napeg.nt.ca [email protected] (867) 445-1692 www.weldersdaughterband.com NWT & Nunavut www.yellowknifefarmersmarket.com [email protected] www.alancoatm.ca Associations & Not for Profit Chamber of Mines Yellowknife Historical Society (867) 873-5281 (867) 445-8302 First Nations Bank of Canada Alternatives North [email protected] [email protected] (867) 766-6240 [email protected] www.miningnorth.com www.yellowknifehistory.com [email protected] www.fnbc.ca alternativesnorth.ca NWT & Nunavut Construction Yellowknife Seniors' Society Association franco- Association (867) 873-9475 Royal Bank of Canada culturelle de Yellowknife (867) 873-3949 [email protected] (867) 766-5201 (867) 873-3292 [email protected] www.yksenior.ca [email protected] www.nnca.ca www.rbcroyalbank.com [email protected] Yukon First Nation www.afcy.info NWT Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Scotiabank CDÉTNO Conseil de (867) 920-9505 (867) 667-7917 (867) 669-6007 développement économique [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.nwtchamber.com www.scotiabank.com (867) 873-5962 www.yfncc.ca [email protected] NWT Disabilities Council www.cdetno.com (867) 873-8230 [email protected] www.nwtdc.net Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 35 MEMBERS DIRECTORY 2019

TD Canada Trust Danmax Communication Ltd. ATCO Frontec Ltd. AYNI Conceptions (867) 873-5891 (867) 873-6961 (867) 669-7370 (867) 446-9363 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.TdCanadaTrust.com www.danmax.com www.atco.com www.ayni.ca

Building Materials & Supplies Inkit Ltd. Bromley's Construction Cheryl Wray (867) 873-5094 (867) 445-5134 [email protected] All-West Glass Yellowknife Ltd. [email protected] [email protected] www.inkit.ca Det'on Cho Corporation (867) 920-2238 Camco Construction 2013 Ltd. (867) 873-6533 [email protected] Kellett Communications Inc. (867) 873-8522 [email protected] www.all-westglass.com (867) 669-9344 [email protected] www.detoncho.com Canglow Windows & Doors [email protected] www.camco-construction.ca www.kellett.nt.ca ERM Consultants Canada Ltd. (867) 920-7111 Canuck Concrete (867) 920-2090 [email protected] Millennium Technologies Pumping and Crane [email protected] www.canglow.ca (867) 873-8180 (867) 873-9519 www.erm.com [email protected] Corother's Home Hardware canuckconsultingandcontracting@ Ile Royale Enterprises Ltd. www.millenniumtech.ca gmail.com Building Centre (867) 445-2700 (867) 669-9945 x203 Outcrop Communications Ltd. Clark Builders [email protected] www.homehardware.ca (867) 766-6700 [email protected] (867) 873-6337 Diamond Glass Ltd. [email protected] Lea Consulting www.outcrop.com (867) 873-9178 www.clarkbuilders.com (867) 444-0490 [email protected] Raven Web Services [email protected] Commercial - NDS Ltd. (867) 873-3821 Energy Wall & Building [email protected] (867) 873-9415 Momentum Training Services [email protected] Products Ltd www.ravenweb.services (867) 446-9241 (867) 873-5655 www.commercial-nds.com [email protected] With Media [email protected] FORWARD Mining www.momentumtrainingservices.com www.energywallsystems.com (867) 444-0901 [email protected] (867) 446-1066 Northern Centre For Igloo Building Supplies [email protected] www.withmedia.ca Excellence In Governance Group Ltd. www.forwardmining.ca and Indigenous Affairs Inc. (867) 920-4005 Computers, IT & Electronics Kasteel Construction (867) 446-3000 [email protected] and Coatings Inc. [email protected] www.igloo.ca Arctic Information (867) 873-2800 www.garthwallbridge.com Solvest Technology Solutions [email protected] NorthWays Consulting (867) 444-3800 (604) 805-2033 www.kasteel.ca (867) 873-5444 [email protected] [email protected] Mossy Ridge Logworks Ltd. [email protected] www.solvest.ca Katlotech Communications Ltd (780) 836-6456 Plan It North Inc. Stake It (867) 875-2661 [email protected] (867) 445-4127 (867) 445-3160 [email protected] www.mossyridge.ca [email protected] [email protected] www.katlotech.ca NWT Construction Ltd. www.planitnorth.ca www.stakeit.ca Monitor North Inc. (867) 920-4844 RLM Consulting Yellowknife Tru Hardware (867) 445-2984 [email protected] (867) 445-1505 (5511 NWT Ltd.) [email protected] www.nwtconstruction.com [email protected] (867) 765-5675 www.monitornorth.com RTL Robinson Enterprises Ltd. [email protected] Seventh Generation Inc. Talbot Technologies (867) 873-6271 [email protected] (867) 766-2464 Communications & Marketing (867) 445-9020 [email protected] [email protected] www.rtl.ca www.talbottechnologies.ca Ardicom Digital Tlicho Investment Corporation Stone Information Solutions Communications Inc. Tamarack Computers Ltd. (867) 444-8474 (867) 444-8223 (867) 669-0062 (867) 920-4380 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.tlicho.ca/businesses astone21.wixsite.com/website www.ardicom.ca www.tamarack.nt.ca Weatherby Trucking Ltd. Wild Bight Enterprises Limited Award Communications Inc. YZF Phone Repairs (867) 873-9801 (867) 669-8859 (867) 444-9609 (867) 688-4065 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.wtlnwt.ca www.awardcommunications.ca www.yzfphonerepairs.com Wood Environment & Consultants: General Infrastructure Solutions CasCom Ltd. Construction Contractors (867) 920-4140 (867) 765-2020 A-list Organizing By [email protected] [email protected] Arctic Canada Construction Ltd. Alyssa Mosher www.amecfw.com www.cascom.ca (867) 873-2520 (867) 445-8634 [email protected] [email protected] www.arcan.nt.ca www.a-listorganizing.com

36 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider MEMBERS DIRECTORY 2019

YK Management Williams Engineering Canada Inc. Norland Insurance Agencies Yellowknife Curling Club (867) 445-3344 (867) 873-2395 (867) 765-0858 (867) 873-4805 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.williamsengineering.com www.yellowknifecurling.com Driving Schools NWT Business Development Event Planners & Rentals and Investment Corporation Yellowknife Golf Club DME Driving School (867) 767-9075 (867) 873-4326 [email protected] (867) 765-8156 Dash Event Designs and Rentals [email protected] www.yellowknifegolf.com [email protected] (867) 446-2653 www.bdic.ca www.dmedrivingschool.com [email protected] Primerica - Jennifer Andrews Yellowknife Gymnastics Club www.dasheventrentals.com (867) 766-4730 (867) 920-7771 Education & Child Care Event Rentals Yellowknife [email protected] [email protected] www.primerica.com/jandrews www.yellowknifegymnastics.com Aurora College - (867) 444-4889 [email protected] Yellowknife Campus RBC Insurance Florists www.eventrentalsyellowknife.ca (867) 920-3050 (780) 616-7635 [email protected] Pido Production Ltd [email protected] Flowers North o/a 6148 NWT Ltd. www.auroracollege.nt.ca (867) 873-5458 services.rbcinsurance.com/bradley.roy (867) 873-3511 [email protected] [email protected] Collège nordique francophone World Financial Group www.pido.ca www.flowersnorth.com (867) 920-7017 (867) 444-5875 [email protected] [email protected] Finance & Insurance Let Me Knot www.college-nordique.com www.researchwfg.com/canada (867) 444-5668 [email protected] Yellowknife Daycare Association Akaitcho Business Fire Protection Services www.letmeknot.com (867) 873-6369 Development Corp. [email protected] (867) 920-2502 Fire Prevention Services Funeral Services www.ykdaycare.com [email protected] (2016) Ltd. www.akaitchobdc.com Yellowknife Education (867) 873-3800 McKenna Funeral Home District No 1 Avid Insurance Group [email protected] (867) 446-0411 (867) 766-5050 (877) 367-0248 www.ykfireprevention.ca [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] J&A Fire Protection Ltd. www.mckennafuneral.com www.yk1.nt.ca www.avidinsurance.saskbrokers.com (867) 669-6354 Government Business Development [email protected] Energy & Utilities www.jandafire.ca Bank of Canada, BDC Canada Revenue Agency Northland Utilities (867) 920-6677 (867) 920-6613 [email protected] Fitness, Sport & Recreation Yellowknife Ltd. www.canada.ca/taxes www.bdc.ca (867) 873-4865 Aboriginal Sports Canada's Volunteer Awards [email protected] CAM Financial Circle of the NWT (877) 825-0434 www.northlandutilities.com (867) 444-0323 (855) 669-3334 [email protected] [email protected] Northwest Territories [email protected] www.canada.ca/volunteer-awards www.camfinancial.ca www.ascnwt.ca Power Corporation City of Yellowknife (867) 669-3300 Crawford & Company Anytime Fitness (867) 920-5660 [email protected] (Canada) Inc. (867) 873-2424 [email protected] www.ntpc.com (867) 988-6781 [email protected] www.yellowknife.ca [email protected] www.anytimefitness.com/ Engineering www.crawfordandcampany.com gyms/4773 GNWT - Department of Infrastructure AECOM Canada Ltd. HUB International Bella Dance Academy (867) 797-9049 (867) 873-6316 Insurance Brokers (867) 873-2623 [email protected] [email protected] (867) 873-6398 [email protected] www.inf.gov.nt.ca www.hubinternational.com www.belladance.ca www.aecom.ca GNWT - Department of Industry, Dillon Consulting Ltd. Investors Group Break Away Fitness Tourism and Investment - ITI (867) 920-4555 (867) 873-3000 (867) 920-4220 (867) 767-9212 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.dillon.ca www.investorsgroup.com breakawayfitness.ca/ www.iti.gov.nt.ca Switch Engineering Manulife Financial Collective Soul Space Innovation, Science and (780) 235-3901 (867) 920-7063 (867) 445-5888 Economic Development Canada [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (867) 766-8422 www.switch-engineering.ca www.manulife.ca www.collectivesoulspace.ca [email protected] www.ic.gc.ca Tetra Tech Canada Inc. Old Town Paddle & Co. (867) 766-3728 /506699 NWT Inc. NWT Human Rights Commission [email protected] [email protected] (867) 669-5575 www.tetratech.com www.oldtownpaddle.com [email protected] www.nwthumanrights.ca

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 37 MEMBERS DIRECTORY 2019

Yellowknife Airport Great Slave Dental Clinic SMS Equipment Inc. Poly-Mor Canada Inc. (867) 767-9089 x31189 (867) 873-2450 (867) 669-0738 (780) 499-7861 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.gov.nt.ca www.greatslavedental.com www.smsequip.com www.poly-mor.ca

Graphic Design Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy Home Decor, Appliances & Inspection Services (867) 920-7775 Interior Design Capital Signs Ltd. [email protected] Housecheck Professional www.medicineshoppe.ca (867) 920-7446 Aurora Decorating Centre Inspection Services Ltd [email protected] RePose (867) 873-8899 (867) 873-6492 www.capitalsignsltd.ca (867) 445-2973 [email protected] [email protected] Diana Curtis Design [email protected] www.auroradecorating.ca www.housecheckyellowknife.ca www.reposelifestyle.com (867) 445-9926 Arctic Appliance Janitorial Services [email protected] RY Counselling (867) 920-4511 www.dcdesign.me (867) 445-2434 [email protected] JK Cleaning and Maintenance www.arcticappliance.com signed. (6239 NWT Ltd.) [email protected] (867) 445-4870 (867) 920-0770 Somba K'e Dental Beyond The Frame [email protected] [email protected] (867) 873-2027 (780) 370-3413 www.signedyk.com [email protected] [email protected] Tidy and Cleaning Services Soaring Tortoise Creative www.sombakedental.com www.beyondtheframe.ca (867) 444-0940 [email protected] (867) 446-4433 Sutherlands Drugs Northern Interiors Ltd. [email protected] (867) 873-4555 (867) 920-2289 Legal Services www.soaringtortoise.ca [email protected] [email protected] www.sutherlandsdrugs.ca www.northerninteriors.ca Adelle M. Guigon Grocery & Wholesale (867) 765-8541 Quality Furniture Heating & Mechanical [email protected] Territorial Beverages (867) 873-2004 [email protected] (867) 873-5220 Arctic Plumbing and Heating www.qualityfurniturenwt.com Ahlstrom Wright [email protected] (867) 446-0010 (867) 873-2000 Tundra Transfer [email protected] [email protected] (867) 765-0605 www.ahlstromwright.ca (867) 669-9330 Bulldog Heating & Cooling [email protected] [email protected] (867) 888-1459 Cooper Regel www.tundratransfer.com www.thebrick.com [email protected] (867) 920-4000 Yellowknife Beverages bulldogheating.com The Farmhouse by [email protected] Kerri's Kreations www.masuchalbertlaw.com (867) 669-7662 Energy North [email protected] (867) 445-4823 (867) 446-0059 Denroche & Associates www.yellowknifebeverages.ca [email protected] [email protected] (867) 920-4151 Yellowknife Direct www.energynorth.ca Human Resource [email protected] Professionals www.denrochelaw.ca Charge Co-op Ltd. J & R Mechanical Ltd. (867) 873-5770 (867) 920-2484 Office Compliments Ltd. Dragon Toner Law Office www.ykcoop.com [email protected] (867) 873-6000 (867) 920-4624 [email protected] Look HVAC Systems Ltd. [email protected] Health & Wellness www.dragontoner.ca (867) 669-7347 www.offcomp.ca Adam Dental Clinic [email protected] Field Law (867) 873-2775 www.lookhvac.com Industrial Services & Supplies (867) 920-4542 [email protected] [email protected] Polar Ice Mechanical www.adamdentalclinic.ca A&A Technical Services www.fieldlaw.com/Offices (867) 447-3597 (867) 669-7022 Advanced Medical Solutions [email protected] [email protected] Lawdawg Legal Services (867) 669-9111 Heavy Equipment www.aatechnical.ca (867) 446-1468 [email protected] [email protected] Sales & Rentals www.advancedmedic.com Canadian Dewatering www.lawdawg.ca (867) 873-5400 Birchwood Dental Ltd. Finning (Canada) [email protected] Lawson Lundell LLP (867) 873-5677 (867) 767-3000 www.canadiandewatering.com (867) 669-5500 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.birchwooddental.ca www.finning.ca Dyno Nobel Canada Inc. www.lawsonlundell.com (867) 920-2343 Dene Wellness Warriors Ron's Equipment Rental [email protected] McLennan Ross LLP (867) 446-0412 & Industrial Supply www.dynonobel.com (867) 766-7677 [email protected] (867) 766-6025 [email protected] [email protected] Midnight Sun Energy Ltd./ www.mross.com Gaia Integrative Clinic Kal Tire Yellowknife www.ronsauto.ca McNiven Law Office (867) 873-3669 (867) 873-6360 [email protected] [email protected] (867) 873-3797 www.gaiand.com www.midnightsunenergy.com [email protected] www.mcnivenlaw.com

38 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider MEMBERS DIRECTORY 2019

Wallbridge Law Office Metal Fabricators & Welding Staples Business Depot #317 Printing/Promotional (867) 446-3000 (867) 766-6220 Products [email protected] Paul Bros NEXTreme Inc. [email protected] www.garthwallbridge.com/law (867) 873-2522 www.staples.ca ArTech Engrave [email protected] (867) 872-0110 Logistics & Trucking www.nextreme.ca Pet Services & Retail [email protected] Companies Mining, Oil & Gas Companies Borealis Kennels Ltd. Canarctic Graphics Arctic Express (506465 (867) 873-3688 (867) 873-5924 N.W.T. Ltd) Aurora Geosciences Ltd. [email protected] [email protected] www.canarcticgraphics.com (867) 873-4594 (867) 920-2729 Crooked Whisker Pet Supplies [email protected] [email protected] o/a 6014 N.W.T. Ltd. Ricoh Northern Ltd. www.arcticexpress.com www.aurorageosciences.com (867) 873-5190 (867) 873-5950 BBE Expediting Ltd. De Beers [email protected] [email protected] (867) 766-8650 (867) 766-7300 www.crookedwhisker.com www.ricoh.ca www.debeersgroup.com [email protected] Great Slave Animal Hospital Kopykat North www.bbex.com Denendeh Investments (867) 873-2579 (867) 920-2408 Det'on Cho Landtran Incorporated [email protected] [email protected] Transport Ltd. (867) 920-2764 www.gsah.ca www.kopykatnorth.com (867) 675-1100 [email protected] Yellowknife Veterinary www.denendehinvestments.ca Real Estate & Property [email protected] Clinic & Pet Boutique www.landtran.com Management Denesoline Corporation (867) 920-7387 Det'on Cho Logistics Ltd. (867) 873-5080 [email protected] BROMLEY & SON LTD. [email protected] www.yellowknifeveterinaryclinic.ca (867) 873-6970 (867) 873-8277 www.dcnwt.com [email protected] YK Sitter [email protected] www.detonchologistics.com Nuna Logistics Partnership (867) 222-6347 Century 21 Prospect Realty Expedite North (2005) (855) 343-1566 [email protected] (867) 873-9800 [email protected] www.yksitter.com (867) 873-3157 [email protected] www.nunalogistics.com [email protected] www.century21yk.ca www.expeditenorth.com Petroleum Products TerraX Minerals Inc. CloudWorks (604) 689-1749 Media & Publishing Bassett Petroleum (867) 447-4777 [email protected] Distributors Limited [email protected] www.terraxminerals.com Cabin Radio (867) 873-8500 www.cloudworks.ws [email protected] (867) 688-0105 Moving and Storage Coldwell Banker [email protected] www.bassettpetroleum.com (867) 669-2100 www.cabinradio.ca AAA Self Storage Matonabee Petroleum Ltd. [email protected] Inukshuk Publishing (867) 444-1234 (867) 873-4001 www.cbyk.ca [email protected] [email protected] (867) 920-2076 Homes North Ltd. [email protected] www.aaastorage.ca (867) 444-4663 www.inuks.ca Midnight Petroleum Ltd. Best Movers (867) 873-6211 [email protected] James O’Connor UNLIMITED (506822 N.W.T. Ltd.) [email protected] HREIT Holdings 18 Corporation (867) 445-1842 (867) 446-2653 www.midnightpetro.ca [email protected] [email protected] (867) 873-9802 www.unlimitedjames.media www.ykbestmovers.com Photography [email protected] www.huntingdoncapital.com L'Aquilon - Société Radio Taiga Matco Moving Solutions Angela Gzowski Photography Jean Mahlangu, Real (867) 766-5172 (867) 873-3333 (867) 444-6070 [email protected] [email protected] Estate Agent [email protected] www.aquilon.nt.ca www.matco.ca (867) 447-3622 www.angelagzowski.com [email protected] Moose FM - Vista Radio Yellowknife Storage Ltd. Samantha Stuart www.century21.ca/jean.mahlangu (867) 920-4636 (867) 446-6936 Photography Inc. [email protected] [email protected] Midwest Property Management www.myyellowknifenow.com www.ykstorage.com (867) 446-3503 (867) 873-4196 [email protected] [email protected] Northern News Services: Office Products & Equipment www.samanthastuartphotography.com www.rentmidwest.com Yellowknifer Tawna Brown Photography Mike Lalonde, Century (867) 873-4031 Creative Basics (867) 444-9656 [email protected] 21 Prospect Realty (867) 920-2486 [email protected] www.nnsl.com (867) 446-7720 [email protected] www.tawnabrown.com [email protected] Verge Communications www.creativebasics.com www.century21.ca/mike.lalonde (867) 445-8360 [email protected] www.edgeyk.com

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 39 MEMBERS DIRECTORY 2019

North Slave Housing Corporation Ja-pain Yellowknife Canadian Iceblink (867) 873-6699 (867) 444-1200 Coast Guard Auxiliary (867) 873-3033 [email protected] [email protected] (867) 444-1073 [email protected] www.ja-pain.ca www.iceblinkclothing.com North Star Ventures Ltd. [email protected] [email protected] Javaroma Gourmet www.ykcga.com Just Furs / Naomi Northview Apartment REIT Coffee & Tea Salons & Spas Bourque Jewelry (867) 920-2909 (867) 669-0725 (867) 873-6748 [email protected] [email protected] Etandah Organic Day Spa [email protected] www.javaroma.ca www.justfursyellowknife.com www.northviewreit.com (867) 446-4436 [email protected] Northview Commercial Property Mainstreet Pizza Longarm of the North www.etandah.com (867) 873-4085 (867) 766-3354 (867) 446-0464 [email protected] [email protected] Merle Norman [email protected] www.northviewreit.com Monkey Tree Pub Cosmetics & Spa Northern Images (o/a 507044 NWT Ltd.) Stewart, Weir, MacDonald Ltd. (867) 920-2611 (867) 873-5944 (867) 920-4914 [email protected] (867) 920-4888 [email protected] www.samsmonkeytree.com www.yellowknifespa.com [email protected] www.northernimages.ca NWT Brewing Company/ North of 60 Massage Old Town Glassworks T.C. Enterprises Ltd. The Woodyard Therapy & Wellness (867) 669-7654 (867) 669-8300 (867) 873-2337 (867) 873-8835 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.oldtownglassworks.com www.tcent.ca www.nwtbrewingco.com www.facebook.com/northof60mtw/ Overlander Sports Ltd. Triton Property Management Saffron PH8 Studio Ltd. (867) 873-2474 (867) 444-9662 (867) 446-0601 (867) 873-4210 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.overlandersports.com www.tritonyk.com www.ph8studio.com Sushi North Roy's Audio Yellowknife Apartments (867) 445-7800 YZF Cosmetic and Laser Clinic Video Unlimited (867) 445-5511 [email protected] (867) 873-4353 (867) 873-5441 [email protected] www.sushinorth.ca [email protected] [email protected] www.yzfcosmetic.com www.roysaudiovideo.ca Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee, Taiga Holdings Ltd. (o/a Catering & Mobile Food Booster Juice) Security Services S & K Services Services (867) 873-3872 (867) 447-2699 [email protected] Arctic Alarm o/a 5773 N.W.T. Ltd. [email protected] Barren Ground Coffee The Black Knight Pub (867) 873-3117 The Quilted Raven (867) 688-1205 (867) 920-4041 [email protected] (867) 920-0303 [email protected] [email protected] www.arcticalarm.ca [email protected] www.barrengroundcoffee.com www.blackknightpub.com North Star Security & www.thequiltedraven.ca Bouwa Whee Catering Tom & Jer Catering Investigations Inc. WAZA - Inspired by (867) 873-6439 (867) 445-2413 (867) 444-2744 Japanese Craftsmanship [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (867) 445-1477 www.bouwawhee.com www.tomjercatering.com Northern Security Services [email protected] Bullocks Bistro YK Hotpot (506907 NWT Ltd.) (867) 669-1210 Weaver & Devore Trading Ltd. (867) 873-3474 (867) 920-2889 [email protected] (867) 873-2219 [email protected] [email protected] www.northernsecurityservices.com [email protected] Copperhouse Eatery + Lounge Scarlet Group of Companies www.weaverdevore.ca (867) 920-5500 Safety & First Aid Training (403) 252-8522 Wolverine Guns & Tackle [email protected] [email protected] 445-7468 www.copperhouse.ca (867) 62 Degrees North Inc. www.scarletsecurity.ca [email protected] Dancing Moose Café (867) 446-7883 wolverinegt.ca (867) 669-8844 [email protected] Shopping & Specialty Apparel [email protected] www.62degreesnorth.ca Surveyors - Land Erasmus Apparel Ltd. www.dancingmoosecafe.ca Arctic Response Canada Ltd. (867) 444-0307 IterStar Geomatics Ltd. Fat Fox Ltd. (867) 873-3205 [email protected] [email protected] (867) 873-5700 (867) 446-4643 www.erasmusapparel.com [email protected] [email protected] www.arcticresponse.ca For Women Only (o/a www.iterstar.ca www.thefatfox.ca St. John Ambulance 5193 NWT Ltd.) (204) 784-7000 Ollerhead & Associates Ltd. Flavour Trader Inc. / (867) 873-9613 [email protected] (867) 873-9690 Saveurs de l'Artisan Inc. [email protected] www.sja.ca [email protected] (867) 444-9759 www.forwomenonlyyk.com www.ollerhead.ca [email protected] www.flavourtrader.com

40 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider MEMBERS DIRECTORY 2019

Sub-Arctic Geomatics Ltd. Aurora Village Northwest Territories Tourism Touch the Arctic Tours (867) 873-2047 (867) 669-0006 (867) 873-5007 (867) 446-8828 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.challengergeomatics.com www.auroravillage.com www.spectacularnwt.com www.touchthearctictours.com

Taxicabs B. Dene Adventures Parks Canada Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures (867) 444-0451 (867) 872-7942 (867) 873-5800 CITY CAB (1993) Ltd. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.bdene.com www.pc.gc.ca www.yellowknifeoutdooradventures.com (867) 873-4444 [email protected] Blachford Lake Lodge & Peterson's Point Lake Yellowknife Sportfishing www.ykcitycab.com Wilderness Resort Lodge & My Backyard Adventures (867) 873-3303 Tours/ The J Group Ltd. (867) 446-5950 Telephone & Internet [email protected] (867) 920-4654 [email protected] Providers www.blachfordlakelodge.com [email protected] www.yellowknifesportfishing.com www.petersonspointlake.com NorthwesTel Borealis Bike Tours Unlimited YYZ Travel North (867) 920-3500 (867) 447-0037 Prospector Expediting Ltd. (800) 667-2949 [email protected] [email protected] (867) 445-6032 [email protected] www.nwtel.ca www.borealisbiketours-unlimited.com [email protected] www.yyztravelnorth.com SSi Micro Ltd. Bucketlist Tours Strong Interpretation Waste Management (867) 669-7500 (867) 445-8405 (867) 873-5546 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Kavanaugh Bros. Ltd. bucketlisttour.com www.ssimicro.com www.experienceyellowknife.com (867) 873-2811 Grande Prairie Regional Sundog Adventures [email protected] Travel & Tourism Tourism Association (867) 446-8687 www.kavwaste.com (780) 539-7688 Aurora Ninja Photo Tour [email protected] KBL Environmental Ltd. [email protected] www.sundogadventures.ca 688-8884 (867) 873-5263 (867) www.gptourism.ca [email protected] Top of the World Travel [email protected] www.auroraninja.com Great Slave Lake Tours (867) 766-6000 www.kblenv.com (867) 875-8077 [email protected] [email protected] www.topoftheworldtravel.com www.greatslavelaketours.com DISCOVER SOUTH AFRICA members $3,950 + GST APRIL 2020 Non-members $4,150 + GST

for more information visit www.ykchamber.com or contact [email protected]

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 41 WANTEDINDUSTRY LEADERS AND INNOVATORS Dedicated to the improvement and development of a strong Yellowknife business community that operates within a diversified economy, enjoying sustainable growth.

IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU, JOIN THE YK CHAMBER TODAY! The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce is ready to enhance your business network. A non-profit, member-based organization, dedicated to serving the Yellowknife business community, the Chamber advocates on behalf of business to all levels of government, hosts a variety of networking and educational events, offers discounts on business services, and helps promote your business. WE ADVOCATE. WE PROMOTE. WE EDUCATE. WE CONNECT. WE PROVIDE SAVINGS.

We’re excited to welcome you to the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce! Give us a call at 867-920-4944 [email protected] | www.YKChamber.com MEMBERS PROFILE

CULTURE DRIVES OPPORTUNITY Chief Drygreese Conference Centre Enters Retail Business with New Gift Shop

By Meagan Gillmore

new gift shop at the Chief space. All that was needed was to pur- week during the summer. The territorial Drygeese Conference Cen- chase point-of-sale devices, upgrade the and federal governments hold meetings tre is bringing new economic Internet capabilities and install shelves to and different functions there, for exam- opportunities to the Yellow- display the merchandise. ple. The building can accommodate knives Dene First Nation. about 450 people, and comes equipped A “(The store) supports the economy of with LED screens and an electronic white- The shop, which had its grand opening small entrepreneurs who are making board. The council chambers on the in March, sells jewellery, boots, gloves, crafts out of their homes with the hope downstairs floor can be used for smaller purses and other accessories made by that it will drive economic independence meetings of about 35 people. The wheel- local First Nations artists. Artists receive for these small business-minded people chair accessible facility includes a patio 95 per cent of the proceeds from sales, to continue and promote their art and overlooking Great Slave Lake. Interpreta- says Jason Snaggs, the Chief Executive culture while providing an income for tion services are available for Indigenous Officer of Yellowknives Dene First Na- themselves,” says Snaggs. languages, says Snaggs, and the centre tion. About 15 artists sell their goods in provides catering. the store. They hope to have an online presence for the store, too. The centre promotes “We tend to promote traditional foods “We are a government that is not-for- the First Nation’s culture in various ways. which also provides employment for profit, so our goal is to promote eco- The shop’s grand opening occurred people within the community,” says nomic independence for the artists and during the Naka Festival gala, held at the Snaggs. Common menu items are tradi- to give them an outlet to share and to centre. Various drum dances occur at the tional stews, bannock and fish. The First present their culture, not just to visitors, centre throughout the year, as well as Nation hopes to receive funding this but to the world,” says Snaggs. special events like Aboriginal Day cele- year from the federal government for a

“Our goal is to promote economic independence for the artists and to give them an outlet to share and to present their culture”

Chief and council had wanted to open a brations. The centre will also be part of feasibility study to investigate building store for years, says Snaggs, who started Hockey Day in Canada, scheduled for a cultural centre, which would include in his role in October 2018. “When I came February 2020. a permanent location for the shop. The on board, I more or less gave it some im- feasibility study, if approved, would take petus to move forward to establish the “That is very exciting,” Snaggs says, es- between 18 and 24 months to complete, shop,” he says. pecially because it will be the first time says Snaggs. the national event comes to the territory. The centre, which opened in 2014 and is “That (cultural centre) will be the per- home to the First Nation’s administrative The centre makes much of its money manent home of the shop where we can offices, was an ideal location. It’s situat- through rentals for events and confer- promote Yellowknives Dene culture and ed in Dettah, at the end of the ice road, ences. Snaggs estimates there are two where we can export it to the world,” which attracts tourists. It also has enough or three meetings held at the site each he says.

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 43 MEMBERS PROFILE

AttentionYk Getters After 38 Years, Inkit Refocusing on Agency Work

Photo by: Rhonda Kennedy By Meagan Gillmore “It’s taking into consideration who the different audiences are and things that are important for them.”

fter 38 years in operation, creative image Inkit began offering embroidery services in 2011. Requests crafter Inkit Ltd. is refocusing and dedicating its “weren’t as often as we hoped they’d be,” says Marriott, resources to the graphic design and advertising noting Inkit’s machinery was suited for large jobs, and most agency parts of its business. embroidery requests that came in were for smaller orders.

TheA company has built a steady base of clients throughout the Marriott says she’s excited about how the change will give decades. Its website boasts more than 500 customers, with more the company more time to focus on their core functions. “We than 10,000 projects completed to date. This includes work for still have a really big base of clients,” she says. “(This) allows the territorial government, First Nations, mining companies, us to focus more.” various businesses and not-for-profits. NEW DIGS “We’ve done a lot of different things,” says Dawna Marriott, President and Project Manager. “In fact, that’s my favourite: The company also sold its building; it didn’t need as much that we do a lot of different things. It’s pretty hard to get bored space once the screen printing and embroidery equipment because you’ve got so many different things coming at you.” were gone. It now rents space from the Avier building on 48th Street. No staff lost their jobs because of the change. One of But projects will no longer include in-house screen printing the company’s designers was doing screen printing as part of or embroidery. This year, Inkit sold its screen printing and her job; now, she’ll solely be designing, says Marriott. embroidery equipment to a business in Grande Prairie, Alta. While they continue to oversee print/production for many of Inkit has built its success by providing reliable service, their projects, they will utilize suppliers rather than handing the customized to the needs of each client. “It’s taking into production in-house. consideration who the different audiences are and things that are important for them, and we try to recommend things that “We’re just trying to focus more on the design and advertising, will resonate with them,” says Marriott. Sometimes, this means the agency aspects, rather than having our fingers into actual thoroughly reading the materials they’re given to design to production,” says Marriott, who began with the company in determine what a client values. Often, documents will include 1991 and became an owner in 1998. a list of values or a vision statement. That information can inspire designs. “I still have mixed emotions about it, because that is how we started,” says Marriott, noting there used to be two staff Inkit has also been able to see how the territory has changed dedicated to screen printing and that almost all staff have been over time. As an example, they’ve worked with Diavik Diamond involved in it in some way over the years. However, with changes Mines Inc. since its infancy. “It’s been cool to see how they’ve in technology, the demand has slowly dwindled. “It was a really changed and grown over the years, and how their needs difficult decision to let go of it because it is part of our history, have changed. Seeing them just starting out, ramping up for but sometimes you have to make hard decisions.” mining, and then start to ramp down,” says Marriott.

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Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 45 MEMBER PROFILE AVIATION By Meagan Gillmore ANDBEYOND

AVIER GROUP CONTINUES TO HELP COMPANIES RISE, THRIVE

have used every airline operating out of “We wanted Yellowknife. They’ve even secured regu- Not Just In the Air lar work throughout Canada for Yellow- something that knife-based aircraft. Jobs sometimes involve other Avier busi- nesses. Fuel Flo Petroleum & Logistics has could really focus “When I was selling just a certain air- a fleet of trucks. They can deliver a client’s line, we turned away a lot of work that cargo to a site. The company can provide on the clients.” we couldn’t do, or we put clients in air- transportation, storage and barging needs craft that weren’t the most economical for fuel. “We have the means to look after ravis Arychuk has made a ca- or the best fit for their specific jobs,” he all the logistics,” Arychuk says. Modrent reer helping businesses thrive up says. “Clients aren’t limited to one airline provides safe and secure storage, and North, whether meeting their avia- or one specific fleet of aircraft. We give modular offices built out of steel storage Ttion needs or providing them with quality them flexibility to actually get 100 per containers. The offices come equipped office space. Arychuk is the President of cent what the best aircraft is.” with lighting, air conditioning, heating and the Avier Group of Companies, an inte- internet connectivity and are sturdy enough grated group of businesses that includes Private Sky Aviation specializes in to travel on trucks to mining or construc- Private Sky Aviation, Fuel Flo Petroleum & serving remote locations, particularly tion sites. The Avier Group provides per- Logistics and Modrent, a storage supply those in the North. It has bases in Yel- manent office space. It bought the former company. Completely family-owned, Ary- lowknife, Vancouver, , B.C., Cal- Waldron Building in downtown Yellowknife chuk’s brother, Ryan, is a co-owner and gary and Edmonton. Many clients are in 2018. At three storeys and 10,000 square the President of Fuel Flo and Modrent. Vancouver-based mining companies or feet, the environmentally-certified steel oil and gas companies headquartered and concrete building provides an optimal A desire to better serve customers mo- in Alberta, he says. There’s been nota- place for businesses. tivated Arychuk’s business career. He be- ble non-mining clients. The company gan Private Sky Aviation in 2006, after his worked with NASA, a job in the High “The natural light is like nothing else in parents sold Air Tindi. Arctic that eventually included provid- town,” Arychuk says, noting each floor has ing aircraft, grounds crew, fuel supply great windows. “You feel better working “I just wanted a company where we’re and lodging. Private Sky oversaw the in that building than you do in others be- not limited to our own operations and 2011 Royal Tour of Prince William and cause of the air filtration.” our own assets,” he says. “We wanted Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess something that could really focus on of Cambridge. The building was empty when the Avier the clients.” Private Sky Aviation oper- Group bought it. As of July 2019, it was ates like an airline, but without aircraft, “We have calls like that all the time,” almost three-quarters full. Clients range he says. Clients explain their needs; Pri- Arychuk says. “One day you’ll be flying from the territorial government, to law- vate Sky finds aircraft best suited for the a celebrity or exceutives from mining yers to graphic design and adverisement jobs. They use aircraft from a variety of companies and then we’re moving drills agencies. “We’re not in a race to just fill the airlines, but try to work with Northern out of a cargo planes. Nothing surprises building,” Arychuk says. “We want quality companies as much as possible, and us these days.” tenants that work well with each other.”

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Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 47 INSTANTVACATION Just Add 3 Hours And Stir

48 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider Audio tours available daily

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Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 49 INSTANT VACATION

WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO VISIT YELLOWKNIFE?

By Leanne Tait, AKA Yk’s Travelling Foody Ex- other. One of Canada’s smallest The Travelling Foody of plores Instant Vacations capitals, it has all amenities without www.travellingfoody.com Awaiting in Our Backyard the crowds. We’re relaxed and quirky, and one of the few places We’ve all done it. Put on that where visitors can still really get an quizzical face when we bump into authentic experience. someone who waxes poetic about visiting Yellowknife. Sometimes As Yellowknife attracts more it’s hard for us to see the sparkle, visitors, enterprising entrepreneurs what’s right in front of our faces. are stepping up with tours, adven- tures, and great dining options. Tourism is bustling in Yellow- Here are five businesses that offer knife, and for good reason: it’s a visitors and locals alike, a fresh take Canadian destination unlike any on Yellowknife. “You are putting yourself in the midst of a decades-long story”

50 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider INSTANT VACATION

I’m not an adrenalin junkie. In helicopter we see the intersection fact, I try to avoid things that scare of wilderness and city; the me into an adrenalin rush. But see interconnection of waters and land; the world from a helicopter? I’m there. roads and buildings. We see how My tour of Yellowknife by helicopter with the microcosms connect. Acasta Heliflight gave me a whole new perspective on both flight and Yellowknife. In 20 minutes, we had seen the city slowly “taxied” to the airport runway. And highlights: the dome-shaped legislature; the Most know what it’s like to fly in then away we went. I’ve lived in Yellowknife colourful houseboats on Yellowknife Bay; an airplane. But a tour in the skies for decades. Yet I’ve never seen my city the causeway that separates Yellowknife’s by helicopter is a whole different from this perspective. The shape of the land mainland from Latham Island. We had experience. John Buckland, our pilot, was gives instant logic to travel on the surface. A ventured out toward “cottage country” and the personification of quiet, confident myriad of lakes and water-holes punctuating over the scarred landscape of Giant Mine. competence. Like he was driving his car to urbanity, and yes, we clearly see the scar the grocery store. on the landscape that is the remnant of Landing was even smoother than take- Yellowknife’s gold mining history. off... We exited the aircraft, I and my travel- The laborious thunk-thunk-thunking of mate were still flying. As only a 19-year-old the rotors notwithstanding, takeoff was It’s the difference in perspective between can express, “that was fricken awesome!” smooth; weightless. Unlike the nose-down a foggy day and a clear one; between what Indeed. Exhilarating in fact. An energy rush acceleration that you see on TV, we hovered you see in a forest versus a field. On the of the best kind. Like my morning double- only a few feet above the ground as we ground, we see microcosms. From the double cappuccino on steroids.

51 INSTANT VACATION

t started with a couple of huskies, channel under the causeway connecting an idea in 2015. By 2019, Richard Yellowknife’s old town from Latham SUNDOG McIntosh and Christine Wenman Island. From there we meandered had started Sundog Adventures, through the colourful houseboats that ADVENTURES providing kicksled tours around hug the shorelines around Jolliffe Island IYellowknife’s Back Bay. and Dog Island — so named because house boaters used to drop their dogs But when opportunity comes knocking, there to run and play while the residents a true entrepreneur answers the door. toddled off to work. We passed Ndilo, They acquired The Trading Post, a log a Dene First Nations community before building in the heart of Old Town when it stopping at Yellowknife’s now infamous came up for sale. But that meant Richard Giant gold mine for a light picnic lunch and Christine had to grow the business and to learn about the early mining days to pay for it. The Trading Post with direct in the North. access to Great Slave Lake is perfect for houseboat and heritage tours by boat Sundog’s tour provided an important, for visitors, and a much-needed boat if somewhat sobering lesson in taxi service for local house boaters. Yellowknife’s history. We meandered back to Sundog Trading Post, past I hopped aboard one of these tours Old Town Cemetery, and the home on a sunny summer afternoon. Long- of local and reality TV legend, Buffalo time Yellowknifer and reputed “dog Joe McBryan.Sundog provides a well whisperer” Cheyenna was my guide. informed peek into the history of Old Cheyenna skillfully, if somewhat Town Yellowknife. And what could be tentatively, maneuvered us through the better than being out on the lake on a ever-so narrow and perilously shallow sunny summer afternoon?

WEAVER & DEVORE TRADING Weaver & Devore is the epitome and Fort Resolution. The lumber from their cradle of Yellowknife’s urban history. original barge became the store’s floor. Harry Weaver and Bud Devore started They were also attuned to the changing in 1936, selling goods off their barge. economy. Over its history, Weaver & De- They’ve been a Yellowknife staple and vore has outfitted trappers, hunters and landmark ever since. As if in homage to fishers, gold stakers, oil and gas camps, the gold discovery that brought them mineral hunters, diamond explorers; and here, today, you can still find gold pans now those who come in search of the for sale way in the back of the store! Aurora: tourists.

This general store still thrives in Yellow- And why wouldn’t Weaver & Devore knife. Just as it did for early trappers in be a magnet for visitors? When you walk the 1930s and 40s, Weaver & Devore is through the doors you are walking into the go-to for exploration and resource history. You are putting yourself in the camps needing essentials from canvas midst of a decades-long story that tells tents to wood stoves; from Sorel boots of a community built on resources; the to Canada Goose parkas; fresh produce quintessential family business, handed to condiments. from generation to generation, and run with solid community values. The story At 80-some years old, Weaver & Devore of Weaver & Devore is the story of early is unquestionably the oldest business in Yellowknife. And if you’re lucky enough to Yellowknife. What’s the secret sauce? visit the store when it’s not too busy, you Certainly resourcefulness and hard just might be able to engage Ken, Bud work. Nothing wasted, and they built to or Dave — three of eight Weaver siblings last. Bud and Harry built the first store who still work in the store — in a conver- – now Bullock’s Bistro – with logs from sation about this pioneering family.

52 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider Banking the North Locations in Yellowknife, Arviat, Baker Lake, Kugluktuk, Pangnirtung and Pond inlet

Yellowknife 867-766-6240 Toll Free 1-855-444-3994 • FNBC.CA

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 53 INSTANT VACATION

THE BUCKETLIST Anyone can be a home town tour their quirky sights, including art-laden guide, right? But not everyone can make houses, and the lady in the bathtub. We a stranger an instant insider like Tracy stop in on Derrald Taylor, world class Inuit TOUR Therrien of The Bucket List Tour can. carver in at work in a dusty shack down a Maybe it’s because Tracy’s been working back alley. in Northern tourism for more than 20 years. Maybe it’s because authenticity This is a calling for Tracy and she shares oozes from every cell. Or maybe it’s be- her knowledge generously. We meet cause she’s one of the most passionate some visitors on our rought, and, the Northern ambassadors I’ve ever met. consummate ambassador, Tracy con- nected them with the Buffalo Airways Tracy was driver and tour guide for a tour, and fistfuls of ideas for local dining tour that included all the expected – and and sightseeing. unexpected – local tourist sights. Giant mine and the Mining Heritage Museum; You see, it’s not the sights that set The the Yellowknife dump, also known as Bucket List Tour apart. It’s the stories, and YKEA, where residents scavenge through the lengths she will go to for her clients. furniture abandoned by departing For example, she told me of arranging residents unwilling to ship it south. The something with Alex Debogorski, the Legislative Assembly with its hidden AY original Ice Road Trucker, to surprise an Jackson paintings. Buffalo Airways and Australian fan by showing up for dinner. the ever charming “Buffalo Joe” McBry- an of Ice Pilot fame; the NWT Diamond Want to get to know the locals? Want Centre, where I try on a four carat dia- know what it’s like to be a real Yellow- mond ring. The back streets of old town: knifer? Want to see the town from an Ragged Ass Road, and Lois Lane and all insider’s perspective? Better call Tracy.

54 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider 5022-49th Street For Leasing inquiries contact: Carol-Ann Colpitts 306.337.1900 867.873.9802

Arctic Jewellers 669.8884 Aurora Advance 873.2503 Diamond Nails 766.2457 Rogel’s Barbershop 873.4166 Northern Transitions 873.9908 Ogre’s Lair Game Shop 444.8526 Reddi Mart 873.9844 Tim Hortons Yellowknife Public Library 920.5642 A Proud Member of the Community!

Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 55 INSTANT VACATION

COPPERHOUSE EATERY

hen I walk into a restaurant, like I did at the Copper- house in Yellowknife, my mindW goes straight to the menu, led there by my hungry tummy. I miss the nuances that give me comfort, titillate my senses, and please my palate. The owners of Copperhouse, however, seem to have missed nothing.

They set out to create a restaurant authentically but subtly Yellowknife, but elegantly upscale in its feel. The name, Copperhouse, is a nod to the Yellowknives Dene who historically made copper-bladed knives. The pol- My pear and blue cheese pizza, ished concrete table in the centre of the however, was the lighter fare I wanted, dining room, is inlaid with kimberlite and and was just the right combination of core samples, paying homage to the sweet and umami. My table mate had North’s diamond mining industry. the special: a beef brisket. I was afforded one delicious bite, but that’s all! Some restaurants are started by talent- ed chefs with no business experience. A year on, Copperhouse has hit its Copperhouse, was conceived by busi- stride. Yet it’s not finished growing and ness men with no restaurant experience. innovating. The patio just opened. Cop- The learning curve was steep, but based perhouse is looking at online preorder- on my visit, well climbed. Who knew, for ing for the lunch market, a drive through example, acoustics create a vibe in a window, and creating ready-made meals restaurant? You want just enough noise for off-site sale. so the dining room feels vibrant and alive, but no so much that you can’t have a conversation. And so behind the stylish perforated metal walls and ceiling accents is a sophisti- cated engineered acoustic system that delivers the right sound.

The menu is well conceived to reside in that sweet spot balancing creativity, variety, cost, and kitchen efficiency.

I passed up the wild boar pizza, think- ing it a little too exotic, and immedi- ately regretted my decision when one passed by, piled high with meat and charred onions, enroute.

Get a fresh perspective. So next time you’re scratching your head wondering how to entertain your visiting relatives, or how to entertain yourself for that matter, look no further than these local tour operators for a fresh perspective on our home town.

56 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider Mining Matters in the Northwest Territories is generously supported by:

MiningMatters.ca Photo credit: billbradenphoto Courtesy of TerraX Minerals Inc. Raising awareness through partnershipsYellowknife Chamber in education Insider | since 2019 1994. | 57 MEMBER PROFILES YK MOTORS SHIFTS INTO HIGH GEAR GM Dealership’s Expansion Promises Job Growth, Enhanced Service

By Meagan Gillmore “People know that their dollars that they spend here in the North are being reinvested in the North”

ellowknife Motors is gearing up for expanded business. Yellowknife Motors is the city’s only locally owned and business, built on a foundation of quality service and operated car dealership. While a General Motors dealership, community involvement.The GM dealership will open they service all vehicles. Boucher says they have a competitive its new location in the fall of 2019. The facility on Old advantage by living in the community where they work, and Airport Road will allow the company to provide expanded and hiring local employees. “We want people who are not only good fasterY services, says Greg Boucher, the dealer principal. employees, but who are good neighbours,” Boucher says.

“It will be a much newer, and integrated customer People can walk into the dealership and have a conversation experience,” he says of the capacities of the new building. with any of us. “This allows us to have a much closer sense of The former building was built in the ’70s. The new location will what’s going on, in our market and in our community” he says. have increased parking spaces and customers will be able to drive into and be received in the new dealership. Hiring locals helps the city’s economy. “People know that their dollars that they spend here in the North are being reinvested “We outgrew (the old building) many years ago,” Boucher in the North,” he says. says. “It just took a while to acquire the right piece of land in the retail corridor.” These investments include supporting local charities, like the SPCA, Stanton Foundation, the Rotary Club and providing The new facility will also provide more jobs. Yellowknife equipment to schools. For Boucher, owning a Northern car Motors had 18 employees when Boucher bought it in 2011. dealership is a dream come true. He moved to Yellowknife from By 2019, it had 26. The new location will require a staff of Alberta in 2003 to work in the car industry. close to 40, he says. The project has also increased local job opportunities. Construction began in 2017, shortly after the “It was my ambition and dream to own a dealership, and a company purchased the space. Between 80 to 100 people General Motors one in particular, growing up in a GM family,” have been hired throughout the process, Boucher says. All he says. General Motors has been supportive of the Northern have been local. dealership. Yellowknife Motors staff have the same training as staff in other markets, Boucher says. “One of the things that we’re quite proud of is that almost every discipline for the new building has come locally from “No two days are the same,” Boucher says. “I get up every Yellowknife, from the general contractor right down to the day to sell cars and trucks and repair cars and trucks. People smallest of trades,” says Boucher. are very excited to pick up their nice new and shiny vehicle, and by the same token are relieved to know that their vehicle that Community involvement has always been important for the means so much to them is repaired properly.”

58 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider Northern Lights Big. Explorer Big.

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Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 59 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 23 MEMBER PROFILES A Personal Local Insurance Broker Gaining Touch National Recognition By Meagan Gillmore

hree years after starting her “I love being involved with people,” own business, Corol Sundberg says Sundberg. “I love being a prob- of CAM Financial is receiving lem-solver. I just like providing the best national awards for her work as service I can for clients. I want to see Tan insurance agent and broker. them be able to get a fair product for what they’re paying so that they can run Sundberg, originally from Saskatche- their business. It’s one thing for them to wan, started her career in investments take off their plate if their benefit plan is and insurance when she moved to Yel- running smoothly for them.” lowknife about 23 years ago. She began as an assistant to an advisor, and 19 years Sundberg says she’s seen more small ago started advising clients directly. companies open. As a small business Most of her work involves being a bro- owner herself, she understands their ker for company group insurance plans. challenges. Small businesses survive by She also handles investments, disability providing honest, quality service and be- insurance and life insurance. Sundberg ing available to meet clients’ needs, she offers plans from many companies, but says. People need to trust a business. much of her life insurance is done with “Build your business based on that: trust Manulife. She offers information about and honesty,” says Sundberg. She knows various investment plans, including Reg- that’s a winning formula: she’s had some istered Education Savings Plans, and re- clients for 15 years. Right now, she works tirement savings plans. from her home, managing much of her client interactions through her phone. In April 2016, she started her own busi- Sundberg can quickly connect with cli- ness. A few months later, she became ents for most requests. She plans to start Yellowknife’s exclusive advisor for the travelling more throughout the territory Chambers of Commerce Group Insur- for business, but wants to maintain good ance Plan, administered through John- relationships with her clients. ston Group. The plan provides compre- hensive health and dental coverage for “I’m not looking to be a huge compa- businesses that are members of cham- ny by any means,” she says. “I want to bers of commerce or boards of trade. be able to personally deal with my cli- Sundberg represents all members of the ents and provide them with exception- Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce who al service, and I feel life if I’m too big, sign up with the Chamber Plan. In May, I can’t do that.” Yellowknife gives her Sundberg received an award for her per- plenty of opportunities. sistence and growth. “I love that Yellowknife is a big enough “It was really quite amazing,” she says, city that you don’t know everybody, but “I love noting she was chosen from more than it’s small enough that you know a lot of 200 brokers of the Plan. “To receive that people,” she says, adding community being a over (the other brokers in her region) was members are quick to help others when a huge accomplishment.” Her clients there’s a problem. have always been the focus on Sund- problem- berg’s work. She serves people and busi- And when they need advice about what nesses across Canada, but the majority insurance plan is best for their company, solver” are in Yellowknife. they know to call her. 60 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider STRONGER I’M A LIFESAVER. TOGETHER “We keep a Naloxone kit in our office because we want to create a safer environment for our youth. Even if we never end up Together, the City of Yellowknife and needing to use it, it’s important for us to have it and to be part of Yellowknives Dene First Nation are a community that supports harm reduction.” jointly creating a community CHELSEA THACKER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR economic development strategy. Rainbow Coalition, Yellowknife

Naloxone kits are available for FREE without a prescription in all NWT A First Nations – Municipal communities. Visit www.hss.gov.nt.ca location near you, or call the NWT Help Line Community Economic Development at 1-800-661-0844. to find a Initiative led by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development O­cers and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Naloxone is now available as a NASAL SPRAY. Pick one up at your local pharmacy, clinic or

www.eownie.ca www.dene.co health centre.

The lawyers in our Yellowknife office are long-term northerners with extensive credentials and experience in the Northwest Territories.

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Yellowknife Chamber Insider | 2019 | 61 MayorMESSAGE’s A Message from Her Worship Mayor Rebecca Alty

“Next year Yellowknife will play host, in partnership with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, to Scotiabank’s Hockey Day in Canada”

he City of Yellowknife is a welcoming, inclusive, and A university presence in Yellowknife would yield economic prosperous community with a strong sense of pride in benefits, as well as positive academic and social impacts, for our unique history, culture, and natural beauty. Yellowknife and for residents across the NWT. The benefits T and spin-offs associated with developing Yellowknife into a Earlier this year, City of Yellowknife Council identified growing world-renowned knowledge centre are considerable, includ- and diversifying our local economy as one of the four goals that ing the ability to attract students, academics and researchers we’d like to achieve during our time in office. Actions to be taken from the rest of Canada, as well as internationally. The City of to fulfill this goal include: implementing a governance structure Yellowknife strongly supports welcoming a university presence for a destination marketing organization that will maximize in our community and has actively taken steps during the past the economic benefits of tourism; working with partners to year to see this vision move forward. Council and I are excited maximize the community and economic development benefits to continue pushing this initiative. from an expanded post-secondary presence in Yellowknife; and updating the City’s economic development strategy. Innovation takes form in many shapes, from cold weather testing aviation and automobile parts to social innovation. Mining and exploration are still deep rooted in the fabric of We are proud to be home to the Arctic Indigenous Wellness our economy but we are seeing huge growth in tourism and Foundation, an organization that operates a traditional healing hospitality. Not only is Yellowknife the Aurora capital of the camp within the city, and to support Dene Nahjo’s Hide Tanning world, due to the high occurrence of northern lights, but we Camp, located annually at Somba K’e Park. are seeing accelerated growth in our conference and events sector, too. Next year Yellowknife will play host, in partnership Earlier this year Council established the Mayor’s Task Force on with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, to Scotiabank’s Hockey Economic Development with the purpose of providing input Day in Canada as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. This event into the development of the City of Yellowknife’s 2019-2024 highlights our Community, reaching 9.6 million people, and Economic Development Strategy and provide ongoing advice gives us a platform to showcase Yellowknife. By promoting in the implementation phase of the Strategy. Council looks events such as this and by working to lay the foundations for forward to engaging with this team of experts, from various a destination marketing organization, we can encourage more economic backgrounds, and all Yellowknife residents to ensure people from across Canada and around the world, to recognize the City’s economic development strategy for 2019-2024 is as Yellowknife as a key destination for both work and leisure. diverse as the growth we want to see in our City’s economy.

The knowledge economy, education and innovation will help Enjoy this edition of the Chamber Insider and I wish you great ensure Yellowknife remains a healthy and vibrant place to live. success in all your business endeavours!

62 | 2019 | Yellowknife Chamber Insider It’s not JUST a bag... It’s not JUST a bag... Plastic bags can contaminate water bodies and animals Paper bagsIt’s take not a lot water and energy to make and cannot be reusedJUST many times a bag... Biodegradable bags don’t disappear - most break down into smaller pieces of plastic

Plastic bags can contaminate water bodies and animals Paper bagsPlastic take bags a can lot contaminate water and water energy bodies and to animalsmake and cannot be reusedPaper many bags timestake a lot water and energy to make and cannot be reused many times Keep BiodegradableBiodegradable bags bags don’t don’t disappear disappear - most - most break downbreak into down into smaller piecessmaller pieces of plastic of plastic bringing Keep Keepbringingyour own bringingyourbags! own NWT residents have kept approximatelybags! 50 million bags out of landfills and off the land. That’s enough bags to stretch the length NWT residentsof the have Mackenzie kept approximatelyyour River 5015 million TIMES! bags outown of landfills and off the land. That’s enough bags to stretch the length of the Mackenziebags! River 15 TIMES! www.rethinkitnwt.cawww.rethinkitnwt.ca NWT residents have kept approximately 50 million bags out of landfills and off the land. That’s enough bags to stretch the length of the Mackenzie River 15 TIMES!

www.rethinkitnwt.ca Toward a resilient, vibrant NWT economy

fundingThe Government initiatives. of the Northwest Territories invests daily, in small businesses with targeted policies, programs and Our aim is to create the right conditions for NWT residents

the relationships and economic environment in which programs and supports can beto delivered; become prosperous, and to help healthy convert and our self-reliant;territory’s many to develop opportunities into real and tangible economic development.

As the strong, experienced voice of the Yellowknife business community, NWTthe Yellowknife business community Chamber of that Commerce is committed is a valued and equipped resource tofor move our our economygovernment. forward. In your membership, you have a proven and made-in-the I look forward to our continued collaboration and success.

Honourable Wally Schumann MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, TOURISM AND INVESTMENT www.iti.gov.nt.ca Thinking about growing your Business?

We’re looking for projects that will: • Directly increase local business and economic activity; • Increase employment; • Support regional economic planning; and • Leverage funding beyond the Government of the Northwest Territories under the new Strategic Investments Program. If your project fits this criteria you may be eligible for as much as $75,000 under the GNWT’s Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED)The Strategic Policy. Investment Program is one of five funding programs offered

yourContact business. the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to learn more – or ask about other enhancements to SEED that may benefit www.iti.gov.nt.ca/SEED75