MEMBER PROFILES: THE MOVERS & SHAKERS OF THE YK BUSINESS COMMUNITY

2018

GIANT MINE A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

MARIJUANA ECONOMICS THE NEW WORLD OF LEGAL POT

AURORA TOURISM IN YK

COME FOR THE LIGHTS STAY FOR THE CHILL CITY ON THE COVER: Tourists take Aurora photos at Prosperous Lake. MONEY billbraden/courtesy My Backyard Tours SAVING LAUNDRYPURE 2.0 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BY VOLLARA

Message from the Features: p4 President and THE SMART SOLUTION Executive Director FOR DOING LAUNDRY The Forever Legacy of Giant Mine Last year was a great year, and After nearly six decades of dirty mining, the Giant LaundryPure 2.0 ensures that you aren’t this one is shaping up to be Mine cleanup will take years and hundreds of millions absorbing anything from the fabrics you even better touch, which helps you to avoid the of dollars – for Yellowknife, a Giant gift that keeps on allergic reactions that can be cause by giving. P8 detergents. Based on processes used for over a decade in hospitals, hotels, and Spotlight on A Good Problem to Have laundromats, LaundryPure 2.0 infuses p44 Chamber Members cold water with hydrogen & oxygen-based Yellowknife has a fast growing tourism market – a good • Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures oxidixers to lift dirt and grime from cold problem to have for any city. But can available tourist • Raven Web Services fibers, leaving clothes brighter and cleaner. facilities meet the growing demand? P20 • Polar Tech Recreation • Yellowknife Veterinary Clinic & Pet Boutique Come for the Lights – • CloudWorks Stay for the Chill City The City of Yellowknife changed its branding, moving p54 Comment away from industrial mining to reach a growing tourist • NO NEED FOR DETERGENT* market. It seems to be working. P30 As Mayor Mark Heyck steps • MAKES CLOTHES SOFTER away from the mayor’s office, • CLEAN WITHOUT BLEACH he has high praise for the City’s Marijuana Economics working relationship with Welcome to the new world of legalized cannabis. • NO MAINTENANCE the Yellowknife Chamber of How will it work in Yellowknife? P38 Commerce • BETTER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN • MONITORS OPERATION • NO WORRIES • EASY TO USE • EASY TO INSTALL • ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY • WHITER WHITES, BRIGHTER COLOURS • SPACE TECHNOLOGY HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

*NOTE: LaundryPure 2.0 reduces or eliminates the need for laundry detergent. While many users find that LaundryPure 2.0 alone effectively cleans their laundry, you may find it necessary to pre-treat or use a reduced amount of detergent to remove certain stains. If you find that detergent is necessary, we recommend using 1/8 the amount you previously used before your LaundryPure 2.0 purchase. **2009 public data found through national organizations such as the US Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy. Costs shown are averages and actual costs may be higher or lower depending on the utility rates for your geographic location and laundry equipment used. Yellowknife Chamber Insider Published by Inukshuk Publishing is published for PO Box 20068, Panda Centre Yellowknife Chamber Yellowknife, NT X1A 3X8 of Commerce Tel 867-920-2076 #21 4802 50th Avenue [email protected] Yellowknife, NT X1A 1C4 Printed in Canada YellowKnife Eco Solutions Inc | 5103 48 Street | Yellowknife, NT Tel 867-920-4944 Publication Mail Agreement www.YKChamber.com 867.873.9371 | www.yesnt.ca | [email protected] Number 42882516

Cover photo: Bob Wilson/City of Yellowknife

2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 3 President & Executive

Director’s Report | 2018

President & Executive present 10 awards to outstanding Yellowknife businesses. The awards include: Small Business of the Year, Corporate Business of the Year, Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Award, Customer Service Award of Excellence, Community Mike Lalonde Director’s Report President 2018 Impact Award, Breakout New Business Award, Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Workplace Health & Safety Award, and the Trailblazers he Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce Inspired by our lobbying efforts on open Education Women in Business Award. The only award recipient selected by the Board Tis your business network! With 370 government and transparency, we’ve created We provide educational and professional of Directors is the Chamber Member of the Year Award, which was proudly local businesses as members, we’re ded- an ‘Advocacy’ page on our website (www. development opportunities for our member- presented to Samantha Stuart Photography. In 2017, we had 262 people in icated to strengthening the Yellowknife ykchamber.com) to display our lobbying let- ship with programs such as Lunch & Learn, attendance at the Business Award Gala dinner! business community. Our mission is to be ters, the responses we receive, relevant media Small Business Small Talk, and Business Club Our Discover travel program has been very popular. In April 2017, 94 a leader in the improvement and devel- coverage, and links to relevant government Luncheons. We also pursue government fund- people joined us for a trip to China and in April 2018, 44 people joined us opment of a strong Yellowknife business discussions. ing to subsidize the cost of training for local for a trip to Peru. Our 2019 destination is Bali, where members can join community with a diversified economy and businesses through our “Building Business us for nine days for $2300 + GST and non-members can participate for sustainable growth. We work to achieve Promotion Capacity in the North Program”. $2500 + GST. this mission by focusing on five key areas: Studies show that membership with a local From our annual membership survey, we’ve advocacy, promotion, education, connec- chamber of commerce increases consumer gained a greater understanding of the educa- Savings — Membership Has Its Benefits! tions and savings. awareness by 73 percent. When consumers tional needs of our members and intend to Our membership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce allows us know that a business is a Chamber mem- leverage our Small Business Week Conference to share their value-added programs with our membership. We’re proud Advocacy ber, they are 49 percent more likely to think to provide a combination of thought provok- to offer you discounts on merchant services with First Data, fuel savings Our major advocacy priorities are encouraging favorably of it and 80 percent more likely to ing content and practical business knowledge. with Esso and shipping discounts with UPS. transportation and infrastructure investment purchase goods and services from the com- For 2018, 22 businesses registered for our Member2Member discount in the North, supporting economic diversifica- pany in the future (A.C.C.E., 2012). Through Connections program, which allows Chamber members to offer discounts to other tion, and attracting and retaining Yellowknife promotion in our online and print business Partnering with us to host a Business Club Chamber members. Discounts include: 20 percent off advertising, 10 per- businesses. Throughout 2017, we lobbied the directories, we’re spreading the news about Luncheon or Business After Hours event is a cent off graphic design, 10 percent off Boardroom rentals, discounts on municipal, territorial and federal governments members of the YK Chamber! great way to showcase your business. These photography, and much more! on 23 different issues. This year is off to a We also run a number of initiatives designed events provide attendees with an opportu- It takes a team to pull together the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce’s strong start with a diverse advocacy portfolio to create opportunities for Yellowknife busi- nity to connect with potential suppliers, cus- diverse programs and advocacy efforts. Thank you to our dedicated Board that includes opposing a land transfer tax, con- nesses to promote the products and services tomers, and fellow businesspeople. So far in of Directors and our hardworking staff: Angela Heal, executive assistant, tinuing support for an accommodation levy, they offer. For example, our beloved #ShopYK 2018, we’ve hosted events with Northwestel, and Jessica Wang, programs coordinator. lobbying for the privatization of cannabis, lob- passport program, in partnership with the Blachford Lake Lodge and Air Tindi and Angela We’d like to recognize our Platinum Sponsor - First Air and our Corporate bying for open government and transparency, City of Yellowknife, had 56 participating busi- Gzowski Photography. Gold Sponsors: CIBC, Northwestel, Northland Utilities, Crowe MacKay LLP, Deneen Everett and co-sponsoring our first ever resolution nesses in 2017 and saw $931,800 spent locally We also facilitate networking during our Lawson Lundell and Finning. Executive Director with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. through the campaign. annual Business Award Gala, where we will Cheers to the year ahead!

2018 BOARD MEMBERS

President 2nd Vice President Director Director Director Director Mike Lalonde Alayna Ward Karen Boudreau Paul Gillard Bright Lubansa Paul Betsina Century 21 Prospect Realty Award Communications S&K Services Northwestel Northview Apartment REIT Det’on Cho Corporation

1st Vice President Treasurer Director Director Director Director Kyle Thomas Jan McNeill Gord Olson Tim Syer Daryl Fetaz Jo-Ann Martin With Media CIBC Polar Tech Recreation Lawson Lundell LLP Northland Utilities Bullock’s Bistro

4 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 5 A GREAT PLACE TO WORK BEGINS BOARDROOM WITH A GREAT PLACE TO WORK IN FOR RENT

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The “C” shaft head frame skeleton, prior to its demolition in 2016. billbradenphoto

8 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 9 As one long-time Yellowknifer wryly ob- But just how and when those impacts Nation’s Det’on Cho Corporation. “But I’m says Gruner, estimating there are at least engineering and environmental studies to Closure and Reclamation Plan and the re- served, Giant’s eight million-ounce gold leg- will roll out is not certain – yet. Despite encouraged by what I’ve seen so far from 200 northern workers at that mine. “What draft an overall surface rehabilitation and lated and necessary water license. This pro- acy, spanning from 1948 to 2004, will just almost 20 years of planning, research and INAC (Indigenous and Northern Affairs a great opportunity, that we reduce the underground arsenic containment plan, and cess, expected to take 17 months, will be keep on giving. And it’s true. Apart from studying, the project’s complexity makes Canada) and from Parsons. I would say downside of Diavik shutting down and financed the $17.5 million mine site bypass, open to public interveners and will set the the hundreds of jobs and millions in trade it difficult to say when the process will I’m more optimistic now than I was a few we can port that skilled labour into re-routing the Ingraham Trail around the detailed criteria for the remediation plan that flow yearly into Yellowknife pockets roll out. months ago.” the remediation plan’s 10-years plus mine workings and open pits. and for Parsons to carry out the work. from the NWT’s three diamond mines, it is “It’s early in the process as it stands He’s referring to Parsons Inc., the program.” INAC is now preparing for its biggest When Parsons formally assumes the biggest certain economic project on the right now,” says Paul Gruner, President American engineering giant which late Ruptash takes that notion a step fur- regulatory challenge: filing its application the project, it will also take over all city’s near-to-midterm horizon. and CEO of the Yellowknives Dene First last year was awarded the contract to ther. “If you look at remediation, the early in 2019 for the all-encompassing subcontracting. manage the Giant Mine Remediation cleanup of Giant will transition quite Project (GMRP). Parsons plans to run nicely into the cleanup of other diamond the project from its Canadian head- mines,” he says. “Highly trained individu- quarters in Calgary and a satellite als can walk into those other situations.” Supporting and office at the mine site just north of Gruner urges collaboration, and man- Yellowknife. aging the peaks and valleys of where Nuna Group of Companies living in the local Det’on Cho has been a contractor on and when the labour force will be the Giant site for about 15 years, through needed. “That’s where everybody in the joint ventures with Nuna Logistics and Territories, including the Det’on Chos of community Nahanni Construction, for site manage- the world, need to be prepared,” he says. ment, security and construction. Gruner “We need to make sure we’ve got a de- says at least half of the 60 or so Det’on veloped workforce, that we’ve got busi- Cho workers are Northerners. nesses in place that can go and execute “There’s definitely a willing desire to that work.” engage at a local level ... and to make this When Giant’s last owner, Royal Oak a positive socio-economic engagement Mines Ltd. declared bankruptcy in 1999, for the territory,” he says. “They’ve been it was legally able to walk away from the soliciting our feedback in how to best mess that it and previous owners left be- engage, how to hire locally. We don’t hind. Their mining leases reverted to the know the outcome yet of the most recent federal government, under INAC control. RFP… but everything I’ve seen so far has INAC assumed full control of the site been very positive.” in 2004 and assembled a team that now Kenny Ruptash, vice-president of includes eight people in Yellowknife and Inuit-owned and highly experienced in delivering on multiple fronts: projects for Yellowknife-based Nahanni others in Ottawa and Edmonton, to man- Construction, praises the relationship age the site and design the massive clean- he’s had with Parsons as one of its Giant up. The team has many project layers to subcontractors over the past six years. coordinate: adhere to the federal Metal He also introduced Parsons to other lo- Mining Effluent Regulations, the Fisheries cal suppliers and says they have kept up Act, and NWT mining and safety laws, to those channels. run the Giant site as a functioning mine, “They’ve been great to deal with, very maintaining and keeping safe the under- respectful of the local community,” says ground and surface workings. It has an Ruptash. “I think Parsons has done a almost overwhelming consultation man- SMS Equipment has local good job about rolling this out and con- date; it regularly connects with no fewer tacting companies to give a heads up than five local working groups, including people serving the north! about what’s coming up.” some 14 different agencies. Contact our Yellowknife Both Gruner and Ruptash are bullish Between 2006 and 2016, INAC spent Representatives for information on what the Giant cleanup project can do about $356 million on these and others on machine sales, rentals, and for Yellowknife’s economy, and for the tasks. It threaded its way through a sev- future of mining in the North. en-year environmental assessment. It has 14 Ellesmere Drive parts & service. Yellowknife, NT, X1A 0G1 “You’re going to have a bunch of dis- razed and meticulously disposed of doz- 867-669-0738 placed workers from Diavik (anticipated ens of arsenic and asbestos-contaminated closure 2025) with transferable skills,” structures. It footed the bill for millions in smsequip.com

10 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 11 “One of the primary roles Parsons has is tendering the contracts on behalf of the federal government,” says Rob Turek, manager of the Giant procurement team for Public Works and Procurement Canada (PWPC). “As PARSONS | of July 1 this year, they will assume responsibility for the site and they will tender the work packages related to refreshing care and maintenance and site stabilization work (up to 2020) and the larger remediation stage A global (beyond 2020).” Under federal procurement policy, the remediation plan falls under contractor, no the umbrella of international free trade conventions such as the North American Free Trade Agreement. Canada cannot compel these contracts to go to Canadian firms or even demand conditions on local content. These stranger to rules caused no small amount of angst among Northerners, who were ex- pecting hard guarantees for a share of the remediation plan’s action. After Northern Canada ... THE CLEAN- all, hiring local contractors and la- bour has been a condition of getting approval for any new development Founded in 1944 in California, UP OF GIANT here in the NWT. And, claimed by Parsons Inc. is a global, employee- owned enterprise that’s heavily WILL TRANSITION just about every local politician, this invested in defense, civil is in our backyard – we deserve it! engineering and construction QUITE NICELY The Yellowknives Dene First Nation projects ranging from power (YKDFN) especially, felt it had a facilities to bridge installations INTO THE CLEAN- right to demand conditions; its peo- to airport projects. Its 14,000 ple bore the terrible consequences of employees in 27 countries generated $3.2 billion US in 2016. UP OTHER unchecked arsenic pollution early in Start Your Flight It has already had boots on the the mine’s life. ground at the Giant mine project. DIAMOND MINES. On contracts estimated at over From 2013 to 2016, it managed Kenny Ruptash, Vice-president, $100,000, local and northern firms the $35.7 million demolition of the Projects, Nahanni Construction Off Right... will be up against big competition. Giant roaster complex. Parsons has an almost identical role in Turek says Parsons is required to Yukon, where it won a $14 million, tender these internationally, under the trade agreements rules for federal four-year contract to manage the projects. All contracts will be posted on the MERX on-line tendering system abandoned Faro lead-zinc mine. listing federal and provincial government projects. As the Giant project’s main “We include provisions in all contracts to maximize local, regional and construction manager (MCM), indigenous participation, for encouraging indigenous employment, sub- Parsons has been awarded two contracts: a $32 million deal to contracting and training,” says Natalie Plato, deputy director of the Giant manage and maintain the site from project for INAC. July of this year to sometime in Turek says Parsons will assess capacity within northern and indige- 2020. That’s when the new closure nous suppliers, and under federal support policy for northern firms, can and reclamation plan and water award tenders only to those firms. “We want to make this do-able for license are expected to be in hand, both of which will guide Parsons’ northern and Indigenous firms so they can compete, and right-size them management of the much larger for the local and regional capacity,” says Turek. and long-term clean-up. The Despite the international trade barriers, INAC was keen to find a way federal government has booked this to give voice to frustrated locals. In its 2015 Giant project environmental effort at $600 million, plus a 50 agreement, INAC established the Giant Mine Oversight Board (GMOB) as percent contingency. an independent society to monitor the project. It is governed by a mix of Two major subcontractors have already been selected: AECOM for citizen and professional members, appointed by the City, YKDFN, North environmental support services Slave Métis and the advocacy group Alternatives North, with GNWT and general design, and Golder and INAC as co-proponents. From its storefront office in downtown Associates for mining support Yellowknife, it has the mandate and a budget of $680,000 to report Plaza Premium Lounge, Winnipeg Richardson International Airport services and civil design. to the public, and to question and make recommendations to INAC’s project team. plaza-network.com

12 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER

PPL_ABQ_SummerAd.indd 1 27/01/2017 4:55:07 PM It also has a daunting research task, and an annual budget of $180,000, to seek a permanent solution to under- ground arsenic trioxide that will be fro- zen in place. Freezing is regarded as only a stopgap measure to contain the 237,000 tonnes of the highly toxic byproduct. In fact, the current design suggests freezing in place can be a manageable ‘fix’ for only 100 years. Plato says Parsons will have a small core team – perhaps fewer than 10 – on site to manage the mine and the contract- ing. Two local residents have already been hired: Louie Azzolini, formerly the director for the Arctic Energy Alliance, is the community economic development manager, and Lisa Colas of Ndilo is com- munity liaison. “Their main role is to update our local labour study, and work with the commu- nities and local businesses to make sure The Giant Mine site, after some we package the upcoming work appro- surface clean-up work had priately,” says Plato. been completed, 2017. Photo courtesy of INAC.

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14 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER “As the MCM (main construction of dollars in industrial taxes. Grants and parcels of land for growth, and Penney ensure the cleanup leaves a positive THERE’S DEFINITELY manager), Parsons is reaching out to payments in lieu of taxes from territorial said a next step would be to add this legacy from one of Canada’s largest A WILLING DESIRE TO Indigenous and northern Yellowknife and federal sources have stopped. A deal long-range potential to the City’s com- contaminated sites.” It says it will di- Giant area businesses through direct engage- to provide minimal emergency services to munity and engagement planning rect contractors to deliver socio-eco- ENGAGE AT A LOCAL ment and via the Parsons MCM website,” Giant, valued at $70,000 a year, expired in processes. nomic benefits that meet local capacity leaves a responded Azzolini in an email. “Once 2014. It’s an arrangement the City wants “We are working with the GNWT and needs. LEVEL... AND TO MAKE future remediation plans are firmed up to renew. and the project team to ensure that In all, the Giant mine project does and associated contracting opportunities In a briefing to the City’s munic- maximum benefits are achieved lo- indeed have the mandate, the money THIS A POSITIVE are more firmly defined, a concerted ef- ipal services committee in February, cally,” she wrote in an email, adding and all the good intentions to turn one forever SOCIO-ECONOMIC fort will be made to communicate that Kerry Penney, Director of Policy, that, “the City wants to ensure maxi- of the country’s worst industrial mess- information to the business community.” Communications and Economic mum benefit to northern/Yellowknife es into a cleaner, maybe even reusable ENGAGEMENT FOR THE The closure of Giant, followed close- Development, advised that the with- businesses and one mechanism to place. Most agree, though, that’s too legacy ly by the closure of Con mine, in the drawal of both Giant and Con sites also achieve this may be a socio-economic early to gauge whether, and how, the TERRITORY. early 2000s hit the City’s coffers hard. cut deeply into the City’s land quantum. agreement.” final chapter of Giant’s legacy will meet Johnny Baker found gold at the site Paul Gruner, Both mines were within City limits, so Remediation of some areas to industrial The Giant project team, in a 2018 the expectations of the communities it that became the Giant mine in 1935, President and CEO, Yellowknife lost hundreds of thousands and residential standards could open new brochure, stresses that it “strives to helped, yet hurt, so much. YKCI but commercial ore was not proven Det’on Cho Corporation until 1944. His exclamation that a rich surface vein was “two hands wide and goes on forever!” became the name of the Yellowknife musical Two Hands The underground freeze system at Giant and Forever, staged in the 1980s. Indeed, the mine fostered a thriving Mine. Photo courtesy of INAC. company camp that was a corner- stone of Yellowknife culture into the 1980s. The mine poured its first gold in 1948 under Falconbridge, was later sold to Pamour (1986-90) then to Royal Oak Mines (1990-99). In 1993, during a bitterly-fought strike, an underground bomb set by a striking miner killed nine replacement work- ers, shattering the community. By 1999 Royal Oak was bankrupt, mining stopped and the lease briefly reverted to the federal government. Miramar Mining Corp., which was closing down the neighbouring Con Mine, made a deal with INAC and re-started mining at Giant. Miramar recovered Giant’s remaining ore, and from 1999 to 2004, trucked it from Giant to the Con mine for processing, ending 55 years and 8 million ounces of gold production at Giant. The lease, and with it, the second worst industrial mess in Canada’s history, once again reverted to the federal government. Giant left behind an ugly swath: eight open pits, four tailings ponds, 325,000 cubic meters of contami- nated soil and an estimated 85 build- ings laced with arsenic and asbestos. By far the greatest hazard is 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide, a byprod- uct from processing the gold, which was pumped back into 11 under- ground stopes. To stop it from seep- ing through the rock into Great Slave Lake, it will be frozen in place.

16 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 17 MAJOR PROJECTS IN THE NWT AND PROJECTED LABOUR DEMAND If the water license is approved and PROJECTED Ekati Diavik Snap Gahcho Inuvik-Tuk Whati issued, the remediation process will gear LABOUR Cantung 3 GMRP TOTAL (+ Jay pipe) + A21 1 Lake 2 Kue Hwy 4 Hwy 5 (Excluding GMRP) up by 2021. The workforce will increase DEMAND from about 30 to over 300 by 2023, and 2017 1889 1134 55 380 254 49 30 3761 Giant Mine is expected to spool back to less than 200 by 2026, and by 2030, to fewer than 2018 1889 1134 35 380 49 150 30 3637 50. During this intensive nine-year peri- 2019 1889 1134 380 150 30 3553 od, the bulk of the demolition, materials Remediation disposal, water management and freeze- 2020 1889 1134 380 150 30 3553 block systems will be completed. About 2021 1889 1134 380 150 204 3553 30 workers will then be needed for many years to maintain the sprawling site to 2022 1889 1134 380 10 312 3413 Project Labour the standards set in the approved plan. 2023 1038 1134 380 10 254 2562 Stratos qualifies that any forecasts for la- bour or project timelines are subject to 2024 1038 380 10 251 1428 INAC and Parsons finalizing the overall 2025 1038 380 10 202 1428 Study plan, subject to the terms of the water license. 2026 1038 380 10 162 1428 It’s a stark comparison: the Giant Mine 2027 1038 380 10 162 1428 operated for 51 years. The charts and ta- 2028 1038 380 10 162 1428 The Giant Mine Remediation Project team and its principal contractor, Parsons bles in this report show that it will take Labour Resource Study 2017, released Inc., before rehabilitation begins in ear- at least 35 years to plan and carry out its 2029 1038 10 162 1048 in March 2018, by Stratos Inc., gives nest. A major permitting threshold also lies rehabilitation. 2030 1038 10 36 1048 Yellowknifers the best scenario to date ahead - getting a renewed water license Over the project’s peak five years, from of just how big the Giant Mine cleanup from the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water 2012-25, the labour requirements alone 2031 1038 10 30 1048 will be, and how long it could take, to Board. This intensely detailed process are roughly equivalent to adding the en- 2032 1038 10 30 1048 remedy a half-century of very dirty gold could take up to 18 months and, because tire payroll of the City of Yellowknife’s mining and refining. an equally detailed reclamation and clo- 270 staff to the Yellowknife economy. As 2033 1038 10 30 1048 The 141-page study says there are sure plan must be submitted as part of Yellowknife prospector and mine history 2034 282 10 30 292 another three years of detailed planning regulatory process, will reveal a lot more advocate Walt Humphries said, in a 2014 and design ahead, by the federal planning about how the work will roll out. article in The Economist, “That mine is 1 A21 will allow Diavik to maintain current production rates 4 This project indicates an additional 40 long-term jobs are expected following the completion of the project, 2 It is unclear whether care and maintenance will continue beyond 2018 but it is unclear whether this will be direct or indirect employment still making money… and it will make 3 This mine site is located near the Yukon border, a long distance from the GMRP Site and Yellownife community 5 The labour numbers are preliminary, taken from a public announcement by the NWT DM of Transportation money for years to come.” An RTL truck works at the Giant mine site. Photo Courtesy of INAC Stratos speculates that the gradual Still, there are the unknowns. by the time GMRP begins to ramp up. require additional training or education. slowing of NWT’s mining sector over The Stratos team makes it clear they There are other proposed projects, such Stratos adds that the local Aboriginal the next few years may benefit the proj- were hampered in some of their work as the NICO, Prairie Creek and Pine workforce may be larger than presumed, ect, as affected workers seek their next by stale, inconsistent, or incomplete data. Point mines that could be rivals for avail- as more indigenous people join the paycheck. In a sense, it could mirror the For instance, the GNWT’s 2014 NWT-wide able labour. None are advanced enough workforce and achieve higher education.” bust-to-boom cycle the city lived through labour survey won’t be updated until to consider at this time. The study includes charts and tables 20 years ago. When both two gold mines 2019. They also flagged that Canadian Like all big projects North of 60, this for about 60 specific skillsets and breaks closed, a pall of gloom was replaced with and world market conditions could easily one can’t be entirely staffed by northern- them down into 15 “work centres” such the euphoria of the diamond economy. skew their assumptions over time. For ers, says Stratos. Much of the talent need- as underground, landfill and open pits. Adding to that optimism, the report example, Dominion Diamond’s recent ed, such as entry-level labourers, semi- Each chart includes a timeline of what says that, especially among indigenous suspension of its massive Jay Pipe ex- and skilled trades like heavy equipment years a specific job skill will be need- communities, there is a potential labour pansion at Ekati, announced just weeks operators, drillers, blasters, welders or ed: for instance, a total 59 drillers and source emerging which, given train- after the report’s release, signals another electricians, is available in the NWT. But 62 driller helpers jobs will be needed on ing opportunities, could satisfy needs shift in the NWT’s labour dynamics. there will be range of skilled technical surface from 2021 to 2030. More will be on all sides. “The findings demonstrate The study shows there is only one and professional roles that will have to needed underground. that there is Northern and Northern other significant project on the hori- come from elsewhere. The Stratos report was commissioned Aboriginal capacity for GMRP entry-lev- zon: the Tlicho all-season road which “Overall, local labour supply can par- by Indigenous and Northern Affairs el and semiskilled occupational needs, will connect the community of Whati tially fulfill GMRP labour needs, although Canada. For more information about the as well as some skilled and professional with Highway 3, the main road to the local labour market may not have Giant Mine Remediation Project, go to the occupational needs,” says the study. Yellowknife, will likely mostly completed the interest or skills needed…. and may website at www.giant.gc.ca. YKCI

18 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 19 A GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE

BY PETER BURROWS

Yellowknife has a fast growing tourism market – a good problem to have for any city. But can available tourist facilities meet the growing demand?

Yellowknife has one of those good-to-have problems. The number of leisure travel visitors coming to town — whether on business or for pleasure — is way up over the last few years. More than 73,000 tourists came to the city in 2016-17, more than half of them to see the Aurora Borealis, and spent about $116.6 million. The numbers from Canada and the United States have climbed steadily, and the numbers from China and Korea have, on a percentage basis, skyrocketed. That means money in the pockets of hotel owners and tour operators and, via various taxes and fees, more revenue for the territorial government. But it also means strain on some of the links in the tourism chain, from the number of available airline seats to not enough available hotel accommodations to reservations for dog sled tours. And then there are a couple of significant new factors at play for the local travel industry. The first is the proposed introduction of a new levy on hotel rooms that would go to fund what is known as a destination marketing organization (DMO), which would market the city as a whole to prospective visitors. The levy has the support of industry organizations and most hotels, and looks set to be in place by next year. Tourists at Prosperous Lake take photos of the Aurora Borealis. billbradenphoto / courtesy My Backyard Tours.

20 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 21 “AT A TIME WHEN WE’RE LOOKING FOR ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, TOURISM Northern Lights Big. SEEMS TO BE A CLEAR OPTION…” Explorer Michael Lalonde, President, Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce

The second big new factor is not unique Big. to Yellowknife or the NWT. It’s one that has Joey Cruz, General Manager, Days Inn and Suites sprouted up all over the world in the last Hotel, and President, Yellowknife Hotel Association. billbradenphoto few years and one that will have a growing impact in coming years — the short-term, un- licensed, rental business. Whether on Airbnb traditional, licensed establishments. In addi- Hotel and president of the Yellowknife Hotel or Tripping.com or Hometogo, the number tion, they generally have not had inspections Association. He’s seen the booms and busts, of people renting out a room in their house from the fire department or health personnel. the annual cycles and the growth of short-term — or their entire house, or even a series of The City of Yellowknife and the territo- rentals. He says that, overall, things are pretty houses they have purchased for the specific rial government are facing these two issues good for hotel operators in Yellowknife right We are adding to the North’s reputation for endless wide open spaces. purpose of putting them out for short-term right now. They’re considering legislation to now. “The good news piece is that there is a lot rental — has exploded in Yellowknife, as it allow communities to charge a levy and other of demand from tourists,” he says. “Tourism is 259 Rooms - 72 new Deluxe Rooms including the largest Executive Suite has in cities and towns around the planet. laws to address short-term rentals and try to up mainly due to the influx of Chinese guests.” Where in the North – Our Aurora Signature Suite! Many short-term rentals are great. The owners create a level playing field for established, The statistics bear that out. The Government Adventures Meet are considerate and honest and offer a good traditional accommodations. The first issue of the Northwest Territories reports that 591 Grand Katimavik Ballroom 6,000 Sq ft of flexible meeting space experience to guests. Others are nightmares, has broad support and looks certain to pass. Chinese tourists came through the Yellowknife 1.800.661.0892 | ExplorerHotel.ca Latest Audio Visual Equipment for Conferences and Events with stories of bunk beds in the basement and The second is a tough balancing act with no airport in 2012-2013, and 6,206 arrived in 2016- mould on the walls. And, as many established obvious solution. 2017, a 950 percent increase. That number is tourism entrepreneurs have pointed out, even Joey Cruz has a front-row seat from which dwarfed by the 88,000 visitors from Canada, the good short-term rentals are avoiding taxes to watch Yellowknife’s changing landscape. He’s but it’s still an important factor in recent tourist and fees and other obligations that fall on the general manager of the Days Inn & Suites market growth. Whether your business is just NWT TOURISM BY THE NUMBERS starting out, expanding or NWT Visitation Statistics 2015-16 2016-17 % Change well-established, CIBC has the NUMBER OF LEISURE VISITORS right combination of business (Aurora Viewing, Fishing, Hunting, Gen. Touring, 63,010 73,580 23% Outdoor Adventure, Visit Friends & Family) Specializing in solutions to help you manage NUMBER OF BUSINESS TRAVELLERS ate Events. Bridal and Baby Showers. 30,900 34,900 17% (Mining, Government, etc.) orpor your day-to-day banking, Weddings, C enhance cash flow and maximize TOTAL VISITORS 93,910 108,480 16% your savings and investments.

NWT Visitors Spending (in millions) 2015-16 2016-17 % Change

For all your Commercial Banking needs contact LEISURE TRAVEL 91.90 116.60 27% Jan McNeill, Sr. Manager Patricia Bourn, Manager 867-873-4452 ext 304 867-873-4452 ext 310 BUSINESS TRAVEL 75.20 84.90 13%

TOTAL SPENDING 167.10 201.40 21%

Yellowknife Hotel Occupancy 2016 2016 2017 2018 (Jan- May) Your perfect event is just a phone call away! Banking that fits your life. OCCUPANCY RATE 72.2% 69.1% 72.7% 162 Kam Lake Rd Suite B, Yellowknife, NT X1A 0G3 (867) 873-2378 - [email protected] - dasheventrentals.com/event-rentals

22 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 23 “It’s incredible,” says Deneen Everett, ex- has been lobbying the Government of the YOU BRING YOUR BEAR, ecutive director of the Yellowknife Chamber Northwest Territories for an amendment to the WE’LL SUPPLY THE of Commerce. “Those numbers are creating Cities, Towns and Villages Act, which would PROUDLY NORTHERN OWNED AND OPERATED a lot of economic opportunity for our small allow the City of Yellowknife to impose an business community and enhancing the well- accommodation levy. Almost all large cities, being of Yellowknife residents. As we’ve seen and many smaller cities in Canada, charge an more tourists over the last couple of years, accommodation levy of between one and five we’ve seen more businesses opening up and percent, and most Canadian and international that benefits residents as well.” travelers are used to seeing this charge on Cruz says travellers to Yellowknife can be their hotel bills. “We have some strong part- divided into three sectors: government travel, ners working alongside us to lobby for these business travel, which is heavily dependent changes, and we’re hopeful that legislation on the mining industry, and tourists. Ideally, will pass this fall”, says Everett. “The collec- the volume from those three sectors would tion of the levy and the ability to use that for come at different times of the year, but that additional marketing is a good thing in a very can be a tough balance to reach. In particular, competitive marketing world,” says Bolstad. the number of tourists visiting Yellowknife is Legislation to let municipalities collect a heavily cyclical, with the peak season being tourism levy is winding its way through the January to March, when visitors are most likely NWT legislature, with a third reading expected to see the Aurora Borealis. In recent years, in October. At the very least, the legislation the August through October period has also is expected to allow the larger regional cen- been busy. Outside of those times, hotels can tres and Yellowknife to pass bylaws to create be dealing with low occupancy rates. In 2017, a tourism levy. Yellowknife’s city council is occupancy rates in Yellowknife varied from 91.2 already working on its bylaws in this regard, ONE AND TWO BEDROOM SUITES WITH FULL SIZED KITCHENS | BOARD ROOM RENTAL percent in September to 52.4 percent in May. but nothing is expected to be decided before MINI CONVENIENCE STORE ON SITE | 5 MINUTE WALK TO DOWNTOWN BUSINESS CORE Those numbers will soon be affected by the municipal elections in October. Bolstad the number of new rooms coming on stream. expects final bylaws to be produced by the new Yellowknife, NT Inuvik, NT Iqaluit, NU Cruz says Yellowknife currently has about 750 mayor and council and, if things go smoothly, 867.669.6400 867.678.6300 867.975.4000 hotel rooms. Nova Hotels will soon add an- for a levy to be in place by the beginning of NEWLY RENOVATED! N T N A other 80, the Explorer Hotel is adding about next year. Michael Lalonde, President of the www.capitalsuites.ca 80, and there are another 30 being built by Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, says the P E G other operators. “It’s great to have these new tourism levy will help to market Yellowknife hotel rooms come on,” he says, “but during the as its own unique entity. “We benefit from downtime it will add to significant challenges.” NWT Tourism’s campaigns to get people to One way the territory is addressing the seasonal the NWT, but a specific Yellowknife destina- fluctuations is through the NWT Conference tion marketing organization will allow us to Bureau, whose job it is to promote the territory have that singular focus on Yellowknife and as a destination for meetings, conventions and everything there is here,” he says. incentive travel. A single convention can bring Then there is the issue of short-term rent- a lot of business to a community during a als. As of June 10, there were 132 listings on downtime; even a smaller meeting in a small Airbnb for accommodations in and around community will fill the hotels. The Conference Yellowknife. That’s up from 97 the previous WWW.NAPEG.NT.CA Bureau receives funding from the territorial July, a 36 percent increase in less than a year. government to chase bids, host site visits and There were 65 on Tripping.com, more than generally get potential clients to conclude that doubling from the previous year, and 90 on o If you are a Geoscientist or Engineer working North of 60 , the NWT is the place they should meet. The Hometogo.com, a 50 percent increase. don’t forget to register as a Professional. Bureau has been increasing its activities since Cruz recognizes the short-term rental market it started bidding on contracts three years as an important new part of the tourism industry, If you are already registered with a Canadian Professional ago, with a 304 percent increase in the value but points out that online rental platforms do Association, it is easy to add a northern registration. of bids it submitted in 2017-2018 over the not collect or remit GST or HST, pay no corpo- previous year. “We submitted $7 million worth rate taxes and make it easy for those renting of bids, and won quite a few of them,” says rooms on their platforms to do the same. He Cathie Bolstad, the chief executive officer of would like to see a level playing field. “You NWT Tourism, which not only represents 200 can enter the business, just get inspected and tourism operators but also runs the Convention get the necessary permits,” he says. Bureau. “That brings the business traveller to NWT Tourism, which is the territory’s des- Yellowknife and they often tack on a package tination marketing organization, is working to stay for an extra day or two.” on its position regarding vacation rentals, but Another mechanism that could help level notes a few issues that are being considered. the seasonal variations in Yellowknife tourism “NWT Tourism does not list unlicensed accom- would be the establishment of a destination modations on its Spectacular NWT website marketing organization (DMO), which would or in its Explorer’s Guide, and it advocates be tasked with marketing Yellowknife as a that there be a level playing field and en- whole. The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce forcement of existing bylaws that require an

24 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 25 NAPEG I E accommodation to be licensed,” Bolstad says. Short-term accommodations can also create options for regulating short-term rentals. Some “NWT Tourism spends a lot of money market- problems with local residential markets. If too have banned all unlicensed units and rentals ing the ‘spectacular’ destination, and the tools many units are taken out of circulation and that are not occupied by the owners, with of government – like the requirement that an then dedicated to short-term rentals, the cost of violators subject to fines as high as $500 for accommodation have a safety plan and that rental accommodations for Yellowknifers will a first offence. Others have insisted that entire it be inspected before it is licenced – ensure go up – including for the people who work in houses can only be rented if they are registered that the destination is spectacular and are the tourism industry. Short-term rentals have and pay a higher fee than room renters. In very important to uphold the brand and the also been known to drive down housing prices some places, the short-term rental sites have experience for the visitor.” in neighbourhoods or buildings that have a agreed to collect sales and accommodation That idea of a brand – of an image that high percentage of units for rent. taxes for the municipality. All of these options comes to mind when a name is mentioned, of For the past few years, municipalities across are available to city council, which has an experience that is passed on from former Canada have been considering and implementing recognized the need for greater fairness visitors to prospective ones – comes up again and again when talking about the impact of short-term rentals. Jo-Ann Martin, the owner and operator of Yellowknife’s Bullocks Bistro, which derives a good part of its annual income from tour- ists, says it’s important to protect the city’s brand as a friendly, beautiful place to visit. The City has recently launched a new brand —“Extraordinary Yellowknife”— specifically designed to target the tourism market. (See story following this feature). “Tourism is an entire-community effort,” Martin says. “If you’re walking down the street in Yellowknife and you see a tourist trying to figure out where to go, you need to stop and ask if they need a hand. We are a tourist destination and need Cathie Bolstad, the chief to make people feel like they are at a home executive officer of NWT away from home.” Tourism. billbradenphoto

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in providing for licencing of short-term to consider the options carefully. “At a NWT Tourism’s Bolstad says the challenges can accommodations and the collection of taxes time when we’re looking for economic and will be met, and that the future for tourism is and levies on the services they provide. diversification, tourism seems to be a bright. “Our board is so impressed with the way Again, policy changes resulting in bylaws clear option and now is the time to Yellowknife is embracing tourism and wants to are not expected until after the municipal capitalize on it. It provides a path to pursue it as a bigger part of their economic strategy election in October. help alleviate some of the difficulties … we want to invite Yellowknife to present at Lalonde, the Chamber’s president, we face with the coming decline of the our annual conference so the rest of the NWT can says tourism is a huge opportunity for diamond mines that we’ve relied on for see what tourism can be like when you mobilize Yellowknife, and policy-makers will need so long.” a community to take care of tourists.” YKCI

Cannabis is now legal in Canada Know the health SMOKE and the Northwest effects of cannabis. Territories. Cannabis can damage your brain, hurt your

Stay safe and unborn baby and trigger or worsen mental SHATTER within the law. health problems. Plus, early and frequent use increases the chance of addic�on. Talk about the health effects of cannabis with your kids, even if you use The Cannabis Talk Kit yourself. is a resource for parents and is available for free online.

Visit www.gov.nt.ca/cannabis to Learn more at www.gov.nt.ca/cannabisdownload your copy.

28 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER COME for the LIGHTS

STAY for the CHILL CITY

By Beverly Cramp

The City’s new tourism strategy called for rebranding Kerry Penney, the City of Yellowknife’s Director of Policy, and a new slogan — “Extraordinary Yellowknife” — and Communications and Economic Development, and two of it’s already working to attract visitors her staff members, Richard McIntosh and Meyha Oake, show off the City’s new brand. billbradenphoto

30 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 31 n March 13 of this year, the City of Yellowknife launched its new brand Oand related slogan -“Extraordinary Yellowknife.” It replaces Yellowknife’s old one – “Diamond Capital of North America” Let’s Get This Party Started! – that was established more than two de- cades ago when Yellowknife hosted a huge SPECIALIZING IN diamond staking rush that resulted in the development of five diamond mines. That Weddings, Corporate Events, Fundraisers, Award REBRANDING TO CATCH brand was retired a few years ago. Banquets & Galas, Community Events, Anniversaries, In developing a new destination market- Birthday Parties, Graduations, Conferences & Trade ing strategy, City officials decided to shift the THE TOURISM WAVE focus from industry to tourism in order to di- Shows, Vendor Services & Support, Garage Sales, versify the city’s economy. As Kerry Penney, YOUR NEXT SPECIAL EVENT! A lot of thought and research goes into brand development, the City’s Director of Policy, Communications starting with the fundamentals, below. and Economic Development explains, the NO EVENT TOO BIG OR tourism market is showing signs of being TOO SMALL! very lucrative for Yellowknife. In 2016, tour- PHOTO BOOTH

ist spending was about $90 million; in 2017, T ENT that amount grew to more than $100 million. S • T ABL BRAND BRAND ES & With the right branding and marketing ef- CHA IRS OBJECTIVES VISION forts, that will continue to go up. “Tourism is • LINE NS & D one of the fastest growing areas now,” says ECOR• Best Price SITE EQUIPM Business Objective The City of Yellowknife is Penney. “It has huge potential.” Promise ENT To expand and diversify the a world leader in Aurora The “Extraordinary Yellowknife” slogan economy of Yellowknife by tourism, a significant is the foundation of the new tourism brand 867.444.4889 Box 175 Yellowknife, NT X1A 2N2 | www.eventrentalsyellowknife.ca | [email protected] identity. It was developed to support the increasing the number and player in water-based We are commited to providing our clients with premium quality products at the best price. Find a lower price elsewhere? Event Rentals Yellowknife will match or beat any like for like quote. Only applies to in-stock merchandise. Some conditions apply. City’s plan, as part of the marketing strategy, tourism (fishing, boating expenditures of visitors, to establish an accommodation levy that will while expanding services and float plane tours) and fund a destination marketing organization. and facilities to align with a destination where you Penney says the new slogan is meant the brand promise. will see and participate in to convey the incredible personality of the 5022-49th Street dozens of activities and Northwest Territories’ capital city and hints For Leasing inquiries contact: at the awe and beauty of the Aurora Borealis’ Marketing Objective experiences within or just slow dance across the night sky, a natural Carol-Ann Colpitts To increase awareness outside city boundaries. wonder that attracts ever-increasing num- 306.337.1900 of Yellowknife as an bers of tourists from Japan, China and Korea extraordinary year- during the fall and winter. And, she says, it 867.873.9802 is also meant to evoke the city’s relaxed ‘no round destination. big city stress’ lifestyle and a connection to Yellowknife’s natural environment, attractive Arctic Jewellers 669.8884 Branding Objective KEY to Canadians who come in summer for wa- To ensure the Yellowknife ter-based activities such as fishing, canoe or Aurora Advance 873.2503 BRAND float plane trips. tourism brand delivers MESSAGING Diamond Nails 766.2457 on its promise. “Extraordinary Yellowknife” is not just part of an economic diversification plan, Rogel’s Barbershop 873.4166 • Yellowknife will it’s also part of a game of catch-up for light up your life Yellowknife as many other Canadian cities Northern Transitions 873.9908 BRAND have already created new tourism brands. Ogre’s Lair Game Shop 444.8526 • More in Yellowknife than “We’re not inventing the wheel here,” says you ever imagined MISSION Penney. “We are trying to catch up.” Reddi Mart 873.9844 With a grant from Canadian Northern Make tourism the second • Hard to believe until SLR Consulting Canada Ltd. 765.5695 you experience it Economic Development Agency (CanNor) largest sector in the and additional funding from the City, Tim Hortons New! Yellowknife economy • You have the best a local agency was contracted to re- YellowKnife Tours Ltd. 873.4600 of Canada in our search and then create what became the own backyard “Extraordinary Yellowknife” brand. “In Yellowknife Public Library 920.5642 A Proud Member of the Community! developing the brand, the agency consult- ed a number of local tourism operators

32 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 33 and members of the target audience,” says Penney. With this feedback, a draft was de- veloped and then tested with focus groups by an independent research firm that also gathered the groups’ perceptions of Yellowknife. Three focus groups in Toronto and two in Yellowknife zeroed in on their preferred brand. Surprisingly, both the Torontonians and Yellowknifers had the same ideas about Yellowknife and its outdoor and ad- venture possibilities. “That was important,” says Penney. “If the locals don’t believe Yellowknife is extraordinary, it would be hard to get visitors to believe it.” A new, user-friendly website was also a part of the brand development – www.ex- traordinaryyk.com – and provides compre- hensive information about tourist activities, accommodations, entertainment and restau- rants. For example, the information about accommodations includes prices and book- WELCOME TO THE ADVENTURE OF A ing information. Activities are listed by the month of the year in which they available and there’s even a city street map on the lifetime! website. It also contains information about available conference facilities and who to contact for help in planning a conference in Yellowknife. Conferences are a growing Local Charters, Conference Shuttles, Wedding Transfers, Private Parties. segment of the Yellowknife tourism market. To support the new destination market- Your Northern limo, equipped with fridge and washroom on board. ing organization, which will use the new $150 per hour | $1200 per day - 10 hours max. branding, all Yellowknife tourism accommo- dation businesses will be required to add a levy to their invoices, capped at four per- Aurora Tours. Enjoy our private location. Warm, cozy, hot snacks, cent. To make the levy legal, the Northwest beverages. Limited tripods available. $119 per person | $89 12 & under. Territories government must write and pass into law enabling legislation, which is al- ready in the works. The City will then pass City Tours. Enjoy 3 - 5 hour tours to include Giant Mine, YKEA, Buffalo Airways its own bylaw to put the levy and destination hangar, NWT Diamond Centre, Ice Road, Old Town, Bush Pilot’s Monument, marketing organization into place. Penney hopes it will be finalized this fall so they N’dilo, Latham Island. $79 per adult | $59 12 & under. can begin to get set up. “We’re rolling along behind the scene,” she says, adding that for Wood Buffalo, Nahanni National Park. Enjoy 10 days, 9 nights beginning in now, her department staffers are managing the development. “We’re hoping the process Yellowknife. Travel to Fort Providence, Hay River, Fort Smith and Fort Simpson. will pick up and be way faster when that Every job is unique. With class-leading cycle times, precision control and Please visit our website for full details. by-law is passed and we can set up the new outstanding efficiency of Doosan crawler excavators, you'll stay organization.” productive no matter what. The new branding is also available for Get a closer look. Stop by and visit us today. use by Yellowknife tourism companies, and to encourage them, Penney’s department has created a style guideline for how to use 103 Kam Lake Road | Yellowknife, NT it to its best advantage. The brand is flexible 867.766.6025 | www.ronsauto.ca and allows for different colours to be used, such as Aurora Borealis green and cranberry 1.867.445.8405 red. But there are limits to how much it can ® be changed to fit into the marketing mate- www.bucketlisttour.com rials that local tourism businesses now use. Those wishing to use it can contact the City

2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 35 to receive a link to download the brand style guidebook. That way, says Penney, the City can assess if the brand is suitable for the way the person or group wishes to use it. Connecting the North! “We’d love it if people used it,” says Penney. “We need to let them know it’s available for them to use. But certain parameters have to be followed. We don’t want to dilute or change the brand.” Penney has already seen how well the NU new branding works. Since it was launched YT NT in March, she and her department staff have Yellowknife attended some major tourism conferences BC along with NWT Tourism. “We partnered AB MB NL with them on a bigger booth,” she says. “With our new brochures displaying the SK QC new “Extraordinary Yellowknife” brand, and ON the new website, we saw a huge increase in convention bookings here.” It can be tricky to replace an existing slo- We Go... gan. Good or bad, the slogan can leave a Where You Go! lasting impression. Think of the very famous “I Love New York” campaign with the heart icon to replace the word “Love” between “I” and the abbreviation “NY.” It was so pop- ular millions of people wore it on T-shirts, purses, and other personal items. Churchill, Manitoba’s “Polar Bear Capital of the World” is practical yet suitable and continues to at- tract visitors to the small town on the west shore of Hudson Bay to see the iconic top predator of the Arctic. But a bad slogan can be boring, confus- ing or even worse, cringe-inducing. Ottawa Audit / Tax / Advisory recently abandoned “Technically Beautiful,” which presumably referred to the region’s significant hi-tech sector but which also took an unintended swipe at the local scen- ery. “There are a number of things to do in Crowe MacKay LLP Yellowknife Okotoks” is indeed a slogan, but a rather underwhelming one. And then there’s the grim tagline that Tisdale, Saskatchewan kept PO Box 727 for decades, “Land of Rape and Honey” to 5103-51 Street acknowledge the region’s two main agricul- tural products. Tisdale eventually replaced it Yellowknife, NT X1A 2N5 with the less alarming “Opportunity Grows Here.” T: (867) 920 4404 It’s easy to criticize but very difficult to develop new slogans. They must be simple, F: (897) 920 4135 short and memorable – a catchy phrase com- bined with an integrated design. Summarizing [email protected] the attributes of a city or town with just a few words, some colour and some graphics is a brain twister that takes talent to solve. One thing is certain: if people remember the slogan, they will remember the city, and crowemackay.ca Smart decisions. if they remember the city, they may come Lasting Value. for a visit. As Penney says, “A strong slogan will help us achieve a strong tourism brand. It will help us stand out.” YKCI

36 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER October 17, 2018, recreational use of cannabis becme legal un- WHAT THE NWT On der the new Cannabis Act, which was passed by Parliament in June, bringing CANNABIS to an end 95 years of prohibition. One of the aims of the Cannabis Act is to disrupt the illegal market in Canada, and LEGISLATION SAYS by doing so, ensure quality of supply, and capture some of the revenue for federal gov- The Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Implementation MARIJUANA ernment coffers. In 2017, the last full year of Act, 2018 was passed by the Legislature on June 1, 2018 and prohibition, Statistics Canada estimates that legalizes the sale and use of recreational cannabis in the NWT. about four million Canadians broke the law The following is a summary of the Act, and is not meant to to purchase cannabis, spending more than be read as legal authority. $5 billion. The federal Finance department expects to collect about 25 percent of this • Anyone 19 years of age or • The Liquor Commission ECONOMICS in the first month after legalization, and is older may buy or possess will be responsible for the cannabis, and may have up to distribution and sale of very optimistic about the opportunities for 30 grams of dried cannabis cannabis in the NWT; IN OCTOBER, CANADA WILL OFFICIALLY LEGALIZE THE future growth. By 2019, the government ex- or equal amounts of other pects to harness about 40 percent of market cannabis products on their • Cannabis will be sold in SALE AND USE OF RECREATIONAL CANNABIS. HOW demand, and estimates that by 2022 it will person in public; “cannabis stores” that will be have as much as 75 percent of the Canadian in existing liquor stores; • Adults are allowed to smoke WILL THAT WORK IN THE NWT? cannabis market. • Stores must post signs In addition to legalizing personal use, the cannabis on their own private property; warning of the health risks legislation allows for home cultivation of up from using cannabis; By Samuel Wood to four plants, as long as the plants are not • Up to four plants maximum accessible by children in the home. It also can be grown in a private • NWT residents who live in allows for private businesses to set up stores home, no matter how many communities that do not have liquor stores can mail order to sell cannabis or operations to produce adults live there; cannabis from a liquor store; it, both of which could create thousands of • It is against the law to drive new businesses across Canada. The Act al- a vehicle while under the • Municipal governments in lows provinces to opt in or out of some of influence of cannabis; tax-based communities can the provisions of the new act, such as two hold a plebiscite to vote on above. • A package of cannabis in a whether to allow cannabis The legislation does not, however, le- vehicle must be unopened in the community, similar to or stored in a place that is existing liquor laws; galize the production and use of cannabis out of reach of the driver or edibles such as candies, cookies and ex- passengers; • Community governments tracts, such as those used in beverages and can make their own bylaws, vaping, which are estimated to be consumed • Cannabis can be smoked in in addition to the GNWT law, by about 60 percent of current users now. public such as on trails or in to govern smoking cannabis These products are already illicitly available parks, but not when they are in public. Community online or at dispensaries in cities across in use for public events; governments can request bylaw officers or inspectors to Canada. This rapidly growing part of the • Smoking is banned in areas do enforcement; market is where the real money is, estimat- used by children or in ed to eventually be worth as much as $12 crowded places, including • Under the federal Cannabis billion to $22 billion annually. In Colorado, playgrounds, sports fields and Act, only dried or fresh the edibles market boomed after cannabis parks during public events; cannabis, cannabis oil and seeds will be sold. Cannabis was legalized there. Health Canada, which • Smoking cannabis where it is has developed regulations for the growth, edibles may be available banned will result in a fine; when the Government of production and sale of cannabis, plans to Canada updates the Cannabis introduce regulations for edibles and other • Environmental health officers from the Department of Act, within a year of coming forms of cannabis consumption in 2019. into force. However, the market for edibles seems Health and Social Services will enforce the law governing to be moving faster than the development public cannabis smoking; of the legislation and related regulations. The Guardian recently reported that a small laboratory in Toronto is developing an al- NOTE: “Cannabis only” stores, privately-owned outside of cohol-free beer made from cannabis, and liquor stores, are not yet legal. The GNWT Health Minister, Glen has plans to produce it commercially in Abernethy, has promised to review this by the end of 2018.

38 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 39 anticipation of Health Canada’s regulations. MLAs joined the argument during the Jurisdictions across Canada have differ- licenses. Alberta began accepting license Further, a company called Canopy Growth is spring session of the Assembly in May. ent approaches to private ownership. In applications in March. Applicants must com- developing mixed drinks infused with canna- Several MLAs, many representing Yellowknife Nunavut, a prospective owner can apply plete a 70-page application form, pay a $400 bis. These products could have a huge impact constituencies, criticized the GNWT’s refusal for a license to run a cannabis store but application fee, a $700 annual license fee, on the edibles market and on the consumers to allow privately-owned stores, and pro- it cannot open until after a three-month and a $3,000 deposit that is held for up to who drink them. posed an amendment to the legislation that consultation period. In the Yukon, a single four months while mandatory background The GNWT’s legalization bill, The Cannabis would establish a process for also licensing publicly run store will serve as the territo- checks are done. By the end of April, the Legalization and Regulation Implementation private “cannabis-only” retail stores. ry’s only cannabis storefront. Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission had Act, was passed on June 1, 2018 in the “We are creating regional monopolies Canada’s western provinces have each received over 450 applications for cannabis Legislative Assembly of the Northwest through liquor stores that will be run by the established an open process through which retail licenses. The Commission estimates Territories. The Act stipulates that the NWT Liquor Commission and relying on mail or- residents can apply for cannabis retail that about 250 stores will open across the will opt-out of private business sales, and in- der in communities where people don’t have stead decrees that cannabis is to be sold only Visas, where the shipping (cost) is high, and through existing liquor stores in the NWT, the cost isn’t going to go down,” said Kieron or through mail order from a liquor store for Testart, MLA for Kam Lake. “There will be communities without a liquor store. There no incentive to switch from bootleggers and Build + Grow + Comply are seven liquor stores operating in commu- drug dealers.” nities throughout the NWT, including two The committee’s proposed amendment in Yellowknife. The owners sell beer, wine required that the government add regula- FIELD LAW BUSINESS HUB and spirits on commission for the territorial tions that set out clear criteria for owning government. Any revenue that flows from the and operating “cannabis only” stores by pri- Providing a range of legal services to bring sale of cannabis in these stores will be split vate business. “Anybody who meets (these) clarity to your complex business issues... between storeowners and the GNWT. The prescribed conditions would get a licence to government expects to earn about $400,000 sell,” said Frame Lake MLA Kevin O’Reilly. during the first year from this arrangement, Much to the MLAs’ frustration, the and has no plans to share any of this revenue amendment failed to pass by a vote of 9-7, Human Resources with NWT communities. Statistics Canada meaning the finance minister will retain the Risk minimizing says that Northwest Territories residents con- power to approve or deny cannabis retail proactive strategies sumed an average of 15.3 grams of cannabis licenses as he sees fit, discretionary power and solutions annually, and paid an average price of $11.11 that MLA Julie Green said the minister did per gram on the illegal market. not need. Testart criticized the GNWT for its Business Real Estate Before the legislation was passed, it ran “paternalistic attitude” and suggested that headlong into some heated opposition from the government monopoly was intended to Supporting your Navigating the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), squeeze as much profit from the sale of can- commercial and complex commercial community leaders and the Yellowknife nabis as possible. growth needs real estate market Chamber of Commerce, who all voiced con- Health Minister Glen Abernethy, who cerns about the plan to sell cannabis only voted against the amendment along with the through existing liquor stores. By not allow- rest of Cabinet, offered an olive branch of ing any other residents, except those owning sorts. He made a firm commitment to re-visit ...wrapped in Client Service liquor stores, to apply for licenses to run the issue of private ownership, promising, “cannabis-only” retail stores, the legislation “… the GNWT will be opening up canna- effectively sets up a government-only mo- bis sales to the private market within six Unexpected Challenges Intellectual Property nopoly similar to the liquor stores. months. That is our intention.” Managing conflicts Trademarks, Deneen Everett, the YK Chamber’s exec- The YK Chamber’s Everett says the and reducing copyrights, patents, utive director, argued against government Chamber will be holding the GNWT to this litigation tech + cyber monopolization of cannabis sales. In her promise. “We want to see an open, trans- risk liability November 27th 2017 letter to the GNWT, parent application process that allows Privacy Everett said, “entrepreneurs are interested Yellowknife entrepreneurs to participate Information in the business opportunities related to can- in this new market,” she says. “Over the management and nabis, but using the Liquor Commission as next six months, we hope that is what protection the sole distributer and limiting the retail the GNWT will be working towards.” opportunities to already established liquor The legislation allows tax-based com- stores unfairly restricts who can pursue munities to hold a plebiscite for residents to vote on whether to allow cannabis in these opportunities.” Ayanna Ferdinand Catlyn Jack Williams The GNWT’s Minister of Justice, Louis the community, similar to the way liquor 867-669-8466 867-669-8471 Sebert, defended the GNWT’s retail model is controlled in communities now. In [email protected] [email protected] in a letter, saying, “this approach allows the Yellowknife, city councillors made the GNWT to draw upon the experience of the decision to allow cannabis in the city, so Liquor Commission and the existing retail The YK Chamber president Mike Lalonde transparent process that provides entrepre- a plebiscite was not held. Two council- infrastructure for liquor to accommodate the rejected this reasoning. The proposed retail neurs with an opportunity to demonstrate lors, Neils Konge and Shauna Morgan, fieldlaw.com sale of cannabis in a regulated environment model ran counter to basic principles of that they can operate at whatever standards called on the GNWT to allow private sec- within the extremely short time frame be- fair competition and economic diversifica- are set by the territorial government,” said tor cannabis retail businesses as soon as “Field Law” is a trademark fore cannabis is legalized.” tion, he said. “We’re asking for an open and Lalonde. possible. and trade name of Field LLP.

40 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 41 province in the first year of legalization, around the perimeter of their production Full Bookkeeping services though there is no set maximum that may sites, and around any indoor areas on-site Personal & Sole Proprietor/ be approved. where cannabis is present, accessible Partnership Businesses British Columbia plans to launch public- only by employees with valid security income tax returns ly-run stores throughout the province, but clearance in order to perform their job they will compete with stores run by en- duties. Producers must maintain records Payroll Services trepreneurs, many of whom have already and report on production levels, inven- established stores despite the fact the canna- tory, sales, and other information “that bis is still not legal. As of May, the province demonstrates compliance with good had yet to open its online application portal production practices.” The cannabis they but had released a guide to the application produce must be tested for levels of its process in February. active ingredients, tetrahydrocannabi- Saskatchewan is allowing businesses to nol (“THC”) and cannabidiol (“CBD”), apply for retail licenses and will accept up as well as for microbial contamination, to 51 qualified applications. The province heavy metals, and pesticides. Cannabis has received over 1,500 applications so far that passes quality control can be sold and plans to hold a lottery to determine to retailers, which fall under territorial/ who will ultimately be awarded a license. provincial jurisdiction. Manitoba issued a Request for Proposals Yellowknife business owners have sev- to run cannabis retail stores in the province, eral concerns about the potential impact and in February announced four proposals of legal cannabis use on their workplac- had been conditionally accepted from four es, says Sandra MacKenzie, a partner at different groups, each made up of several Lawson Lundell, who has seen an uptick Manitoba First Nations and existing medical in inquiries from local businesses. She cannabis companies. thinks some businesses will need to ad- Further east, only Newfoundland will just their attitudes towards legal employee allow privately-owned cannabis stores to cannabis use. “There is a common mis- Tel. 867 873 4668 Cel. 867 765 8991 Fax. 867 873 6678 operate. The province issued an initial conception that if somebody is smoking Email. [email protected] Request for Proposals in February and re- marijuana, that they should automatically ceived more than 80 applications – two be disciplined,” she says. “Employers have dozen of which were approved in May. to be asking themselves – is this person In Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, coming to work impaired? Is the smoking and Prince Edward Island, cannabis will of marijuana impairing their ability to do only be sold from government-owned can- their job? It’s only in that situation where nabis stores operating as subsidiaries of they should be disciplined.” provincial liquor corporations. Ontario Employees will also have to make had also planned to use government-run practical considerations around canna- stores, operated in similar fashion to the bis use. “The legalization of marijuana province’s liquor or beer stores. However, is not a license for bad behaviour,” says the recently elected Conservative provincial MacKenzie. “Say you’re smoking a joint government announced changes that will on the weekend – that’s going to be fine, allow for licensed privately-owned and op- but you’re not going to be able to smoke Box 1602, 5014-50th Avenue erated stores. a joint on a Monday morning before you Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P2 Cannabis producers must follow Health go to work.” Phone 867.675.0788 Fax 867.675.0789 For more information visit Canada’s regulations that require produc- The Workers’ Safety & Compensation Email [email protected] www.gmob.ca tion licenses to cover indoor and outdoor Commission has issued workplace im- cannabis cultivation and cannabis process- pairment regulations and MacKenzie ing. Micro-cultivation and micro-processing recommends that employers update their licenses would allow for “craft cannabis” own policies in accordance with these businesses that grow less than 200 square regulations. “Make sure that you have an feet of cannabis plants, or process less than alcohol and drug policy that deals with 600 kilograms of dried cannabis each year. things like being fit to work, what happens These small businesses would be exempt if you think somebody is impaired, what from requirements that larger operations are the steps that the employer is going to must follow such as the installation of visual take, and what happens if you think some- monitoring and intrusion detection systems. one has an addiction” she says. “The more By and, ir, e Sea They must also record the identity of every that you have that is written down and person entering or exiting an area where the more that the employees understand cannabis is stored. it and the employers know what to do in All cannabis producers, big and small, advance, the less likely that an employer is www.bbe.a would be required to erect physical barriers going to run into legal trouble.” YKCI

42 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 43 Spotlight Profile

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

This Year, choose to Be UnDrunk! Explore the North Safely!

Carlos Gonzales, owner, Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures. billbradenphoto

A message from the Liquor Commission

bird watching tours. “The outdoors has always been my passion. I had a boat, Yellowknife Outdoor trailer and truck and decided to start showing people all these wonderful aspects of the North.” This was the begin- Adventures ning of Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures. Gonzales started small, mostly working A passion for the outdoors is with locals and their visiting family mem- bers and friends. Carlos Gonzales’ greatest adventure He was still in the restaurant business By Beverly Cramp as a co-owner of a dining room and lounge called Our Place, which he changed to a Carlos Gonzales arrived in Yellowknife While on his break, he approached Arc- fine dining establishment and outdoor from Montreal 36 years ago and fell in love tic College (now Aurora College) about catering business. But as his outdoor tour with the North’s outdoors. But he worked setting up a program to train hospital- business grew, he realized that there was indoors for the first several years he was ity and tourism workers. “They gave me a big niche to be filled providing outdoor here, first as a waiter at the Explorer Hotel’s a desk and a computer. For two months, experiences for business travellers. Many restaurant, and within a few months, then I worked there for free, developing the companies came asking about corporate as the manager of a rival restaurant. Know- curriculum and writing a proposal to get trips for their employees and clients. “I ing what a diligent worker Gonzales was, funding for the new program.” captured 80 percent of Yellowknife’s busi- the Explorer eventually hired him back to His proposal was approved, and for ness travel,” says Gonzales. manage their fine dining restaurant. the next ten years he worked as the He sold Our Place in 2007 to work “They had a fantastic menu,” says Gon- senior instructor and coordinator of full-time at Yellowknife Outdoor Adven- zales. “We prepared many dishes at the the certificate programs in tourism and tures. He now offers winter adventures table: caesar salad, steak diane, cherries hospitality. The job took him to many such as ice fishing and snowmobile trips jubilee and crêpes suzette. It was very fancy places across the north, before division that are frequently backlit by fabulous and nice to work there.” into Northwest Territories and Nunavut. views of the northern lights, and in sum- Soon, Gonzales was in charge of the “I was very privileged to travel to 52 of mer, pike fishing on Great Slave Lake, a dining room and also the lounge and café. the 63 communities in the North,” Gon- variety of bird and wildlife viewings, and He handled the new staff training too, as zales says. “It was a beautiful thing to scenic float plane fly-ins to places such as there were no other training options then be involved in developing the tourism Virginia Falls in Nahanni National Park. in the NWT. The hours were long and ardu- potential here. It’s like a big diamond in “I feel extremely fortunate to be able ous. “I got tired of working 16 to 18-hour the rough.” to work in an environment where I am days, seven days a week,” he says. “When As an instructor, Gonzales had up to very happy,” Gonzales says. “It’s easy for there was a change in ownership, I decided 45 days off in the summer. In 1993, he me to please my customers. They see and I needed a break.” began doing small summer fishing and feel what we have here.” YKCI

44 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 45 CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

Gabe Powless, Owner, Raven Web Services. billbradenphoto

In pursuit of that indoor job, Powless Raven Web took computer courses at the Academy of Learning in Yellowknife. “I had high grades and went from being a student Water & Sewer Construction Services there to being an instructor. Afterwards, Gravel & Rock Supply I worked in various administrative roles Building Better Roads Equipment Rental Gabe Powless loves his work, with the diamond mines and the govern- Asphalt Paving ment for a bit. Eventually, I felt the urge Road Building indoors, where it’s warm and cozy to pursue new skills.” By Beverly Cramp Starting in 2012, Powless studied video game and ‘app’ development, but 135 Kam Lake Road Box 2949 Yellowknife, NT X1A 2R2 Tel: (867) 920-4844 Fax: (867) 873-8776 www.nwtconstruction.ca The founder of Raven Web Services may It may sound mystifying to those less after getting advice from a business be one of the most highly qualified digital savvy about technology and business, consultant he shifted his focus to web marketers in Yellowknife and the Northwest but as Powless knows, a lot of business development and online marketing. “It Territories. today is conducted online. “I help my cli- became a full-time passion and ongo- Gabe Powless, owner of Raven Web ents with their digital campaigns,” he says, ing adventure for me,” he says. He set Services, keeps a growing tally of his dig- and offers such services as web develop- up Raven Web Services in 2016 and has ital marketing skills and accomplishments ment, Internet marketing and online moni- not looked back to outdoor construction that includes a half a dozen Google certi- toring. “I help them make more money and since. fications. To do that, Powless is constantly be more efficient; that keeps them coming Powless trains his clients’ staff so learning and networking to maintain his back for more services. On the whole, I they can do most of their own work. qualifications and build his expertise. “You can help clients increase sales leads by “I empower my clients with training have to stay on top of the changes at Goo- as much as 30 percent, sometimes even and consulting. If they get stuck, I help gle and also at Facebook,” says Powless. more.” them get unstuck. Many clients become “There are very few people here who have Clearly, Powless is passionate about his very self-sufficient and that’s reward- similar qualifications, so others may have work. “I feel like I’m playing every day,” ing because those clients take less effort had to rely on third parties down south for he says. Yet, the Yellowknives Dene First to maintain and best of all, when done this expertise in the past.” Nation member didn’t start out as a com- right, my services pay for themselves.” Powless is also affiliated with high-tech puter nerd. “I grew up more interested in Powless has been successful with giants such as e-commerce retailer Shopify. sports than computers. After high school, Raven Web Services, gaining clients, “I’m trained with them, as a third-party rep- I worked in construction with my father. affiliates and partners from across Can- resentative I can give technical assistance,” During my first winter working outdoors ada and beyond. And he’s happy about he says. “If someone gets ‘shopified’ with in minus sixty weather, I had this epiph- it. He works inside, in the warmth and me, they can consult directly with me in per- any that I should find work indoors. I just comfort of his own office, doing something son for assistance or with Shopify online.” needed to get some qualifications.” he is passionate about. YKCI

46 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT Bob McLeod | MLA YELLOWKNIFE SOUTH

Just explain what you want to show people. We do the rest!

CONCEPT design production Have the seed We can draw it, Once we’ve got a of an idea? write it, or do design that you’re We’ll show you whatever else is happy with, we can what you can needed to get your produce your project do with it. message across. in-house. banners • business cards • postcards • flyers • stickers pop up banners • graphic design • signs • buttons • decals name tags • stamps • stationary • invoices • forms • canvas wraps • more!

/SignedYK 5024 51st Street @SignedYK 867.920.0770 Gord Olson, Owner, Polar Tech Recreation [email protected] @SignedYK signedyk.com Constituency Office: 867 445 9457 Email: [email protected] web: mla-yellowknifesouth.ca

for solutions and I make changes immedi- Polar Tech ately. It’s important to be engaged with my 100% NORTHERN OWNED & OPERATED staff. I may be the owner but I don’t work in every department.” Recreation Olson also ensures his staff have the lat- est training. “I keep them state-of-the-art. I Gord Olson’s well-prepared mind send some guys for training three weeks or a month every year.” finds success in opportunity Good customer service is another of By Beverly Cramp Olson’s keys to success. “We work with our customers, listen to them and try to bring in Full-Service Financing for Gordon Olson is a good example of the pumps, generators and cement mixers. what they want.” Northern Entrepreneurs well-prepared mind meeting an opportunity. “It just kept growing,” he adds. “I bought In recent years, Olson has brought his Throw in diligence, hard work and dedica- more equipment, rented it out; earned more sons Sam and Bradley into the business. MDDF has been helping Northerners fund their tion and the result is a thriving business. money and was able to buy even more “My daughter Courtenay lives in Spruce dreams for over a quarter of a century. Now, with Olson, a mechanic, founded Polar Tech equipment to rent, and so on.” Grove, Alberta or she would be here, too.” the addition of GL Services, we offer clients Recreation, one of the most successful In 1998 Ski-Doo approached Olson Olson comes from a long line of mechan- bookkeeping, tax services, training and “small engine” retailers in the North. The about running a dealership. That began a ics. “My Grandpa was a mechanic and I had company sells boats, snow mobiles, ATVs, whole new era. Soon, Olson was selling an uncle who was a mechanic. I’m a fairly consulting. Harley motorcycles, power saws, and other so many snowmobiles that he was able to good mechanic, too,” he says. Shortly after NEW & USED Find out more at: equipment. The company also operates move into a bigger location on Old Airport high school graduation, Olson entered a EVINRUDE OUTBOARDS • MERCURY MARINE • KINGFISHER BOATS • HONDA POWERSPORTS a parts and repair servicing centre, and a Road. With success, came recognition and in new, three-year apprentice program in Fort MDDF.ca HONDA POWER EQUIPMENT • CAN-AM OFFROAD • SKI-DOO SNOWMOBILES • TRAILERS rental business for industrial and commer- 2001, Olson won awards for Ski-Doo sales. Smith that licensed small engine mechanics STIHL POWER EQUIPMENT • MARINE cial equipment. Eighteen staff work out of Not content to rest on his laurels, Olson and he became one of the first graduates of a 16,000 sq. ft facility, which includes 4800 began working with an architect in 2004 to the program. Phone: 867-873-9341 sq. ft. of retail space that’s open seven days design and build a new facility on Utsingi Olson now sits on Aurora College’s advi- Toll-free: 888-554-6333 a week. Drive, Polar Tech’s current home in the Kam sory board for apprenticeship programs It’s a long way from the small rental Lake industrial area. and takes an active role in developing new Email: [email protected] business Olson started in 1994 in Yellow- He gives a great deal of credit for his apprenticeship programs. “I’m looking at 4908-50th Street, Yellowknife, NT knife’s Kam Lake area. “I had this dream of ongoing success to his staff. “I don’t take teaching small engine mechanic courses. • • owning and operating the best small engine their hard work for granted. I take their We want to get out into the communities 213 Utsingi Drive, Yellowknife, NT. [email protected] www.polartech.ca shop in Yellowknife,” he says. Working out input seriously,” he says. “When there are and get people trained for opening their Toll Free 1.800.707.5734 • 867.873.8324 of a small garage, Olson started by renting problems, I stop and consult with everyone own shops.” YKCI

48 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 49 CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT SIMPLE. AFFORDABLE. SOLUTIONS.

Dr. Mike Hughes and his wife, Jeanie, owners, Yellowknife Veterinary Clinic. billbradenphoto

It’s motivating when Hughes sees cli- Yellowknife ents with pets that recognize the clinic. “There’s a lady who brings her little dog in for regular check-ups. The dog is always Veterinary Clinic pulling and straining at his leash to get into the clinic. That’s great to see.” Creative Services. Hughes has invested in technology & Pet Boutique at his clinic, including for his lab where Think Gray Matters. he does most of his own tests. Very few Mike and Jeanie Hughes created tests are sent out to other labs for analy- We offer a full range of creative solutions that deliver results. sis, meaning clients can get needed results Work with us for a fresh approach to: success from ideas and innovation much faster. “Recently, I upgraded all our lab equipment,” he says. “I also bought By Beverly Cramp a laser scalpel for surgeries about a year Advertising Design / Annual Reports / Newsletters / Logos / Posters / Post Cards ago. I can do spays and neuters much Transit Advertising / Direct Mail / Presentation Folders / Banners / Pop-Up Banners A day to remember for veterinarian Dr. “Yellowknife has treated us extremely faster and there is less recovery time for Brochures Multi-Page Booklets / Rack Cards / Trade Show Booths / Invitations / Video Logos Michael (Mike) Hughes is June 21, 2012. well,” Hughes says about his busy prac- the animal.” He’d been working at a Yellowknife vet tice, which he runs, along with his A typical day for Hughes is long, start- Corporate Events / Member and Market Surveys / Web Design and Social Media. clinic for a year and was making plans to wife, Jeanie, and employs as many as ing with a 6 a.m. workout in the gym at move back to Nova Scotia, where he grew eight staff, including a receptionist, an the clinic that he added for his staff. He up. But as word spread that he was leaving office manager, vet technologists and begins work at the clinic between 7 and Yellowknife, he began to get pleas from his vet assistants. “Mainly, we see canine 7:30 a.m., although he will see patients pet-owning clients. “They said to me, ‘please and feline pets. But we also get pocket earlier if there’s an emergency. The clinic come back.’ And it was National Aboriginal pets such as rats and gerbils, birds from closes at 8 p.m. but Hughes often stays on Day, which is pretty cool because I’m Métis,” finches to parrots, and turtles, snakes until 9:30 p.m. “On Friday,” he says, “we We are anything but Ordinary. says Hughes. and reptiles.” try to close at 6 p.m. We put in another Hughes found a place to rent in the Kam Given that his clinic sees mainly cats full day on Saturday and then do our best Lake industrial area, added examination and dogs, with a few other exotic ani- to take Sunday off.” rooms, a small lab, and operating area, ken- mals brought in once in a while, you He may work more hours per week nels and pet food and opened his own clinic would be forgiven for thinking that than most people, but Hughes says he a few months later. In 2015, needing more Hughes’ days are routine. Not so, he loves it. “I could retire anytime I want but 102-5103 48th Street, Yellowknife, NT space, he renovated a building on Woolgar says. “Pretty much every day I think I I feel like I’ve got the best jobhttps://fonts.google.com/specimen/Open+Sans in town,” Avenue for a new clinic and bigger pet sup- have an idea how it will go and then he says. “It’s not really working if you’re 867-873-GRAY (4729) | [email protected] • [email protected] ply store. something new always happens.” doing what you really want to do.” YKCI

50 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER

https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Open+Sans CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT Lighting up the Yellowknife I Iqaluit I Whitehorse Northwest Territories for over 60 years We are privileged to build communities, energize industries, and deliver customer- focused infrastructure solutions in Canada’s North and around the NORTHERN SECURITY SERVICES Trust us with your business, We will guard you with ours world. Learn more at northlandutilities.com 01 Mine Security LET US 02 Event Security GUARD YOUR 03 Mobile Patrols BUSINESS! 04 Asset Control

T (867) 669-1210 | E [email protected] An and Company

Rob Warburton, partner, CloudWorks. billbradenphoto www.northernsecurityservices.com

An example of CloudWorks’ innovative CloudWorks development is the company’s venture into a soon-to-be launched car sharing opera- We make Rob Warburton puts people and tion. “I’m not a car co-operative guy but I want to be able to offer a car share oppor- property into projects that work tunity to my tenants. So, we designed the connectivity coop and set up a board to run it.” by Beverly Cramp CloudWork’s biggest project is a $3 simple. million mixed use condominium conver- How do you start a real estate develop- third partner relocated and sold his shares sion with commercial space, completed ment company? With a lot of good ideas to Warburton and Gamble. “We started in 2014. “When we bought it, there was Expand your reach with our and a line of credit. hunting for things to do,” says Warburton. one commercial tenant and they left That’s what Rob Warburton did when Their first project was a modular home shortly after. Now we were in a market Voice, Internet, Data and he linked up with Sam Gamble in 2012 to infill development in an older part of Yel- with tons of vacant commercial space. It Conferencing solutions. do just that. “Sam and I were both doing lowknife. Borrowing from friends and took us a while to figure it out,” says War- our own property investment,” says War- family, in addition to Warburton’s line of burton. What was missing was small, flex- burton. “I had recently sold a condo and credit, they completed the $330,000 proj- ible office space for small businesses and a house in Yellowknife; Sam had done a ect in 2013. “Our investors did well and we non-profits who can’t afford big, long-term couple of one-off property deals. Between learned valuable lessons,” says Warburton. leases. CloudWorks carved out several min- us, we had sold a lot of real estate and we From those small beginnings, Cloud- iature office areas from the one large com- wanted to do it professionally, full-time.” Works has completed $11 million in real mercial space and offered flexible rental They had complementary skill sets. “I’m estate projects. In the process, Warburton agreements. They also provided services good at finding projects – places that are and Gamble have developed a unique busi- such as WIFI, coffee, and mail and par- under-utilized or are not putting the space ness model. “We’re a hybrid social enter- cel management. After hiring a community [email protected] to best use. I can put the pieces together – prise and real estate investment company. manager, tenants started mingling. Call 1 888 423-2333 today to see how CORY 867.767.9143 ext. 12170 tenants, buildings, contractors – and man- We utilize existing buildings and exist- “We’ve created a real community there,” we can help your business grow. VANTHUYNE Toll Free 1.800.661.0784 age them as we go along. Sam is finance- ing spaces, and find new creative uses for says Warburton. “Now, we are expanding it MLA YELLOWKNIFE NORTH based and great at pulling together the them,” says Warburton, adding that they to other locations.” financing and business plans.” often engage in advocacy work to allow Warburton says he and Gamble plan to keep Initially with a third partner, the new for more urbanization and densification in growing, using their unique approach. “I’m company called CloudWorks was born. The Yellowknife. happy to keep doing what I’m doing.” YKCI

52 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 53 Guest Comment THERE ARE NO OBSTACLES THE CITY’S EXCELLENT PARTNERSHIP WITH THE YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER OF GROUP OF COMPANIES Nothing stops a Ford vehicle in the NWT COMMERCE Mark Heyck | Mayor of Yellowknife Especially after it’s been outfi tted by Aurora Ford

In my final column as Mayor of Yellowknife, culminating in the annual #ShopYk and advice of Chamber officials in the cre- I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect campaign. ation of this policy. on the strengthened relationship we’ve The shop local theme was broadened In recent years, the City and Chamber forged between the City of Yellowknife and in subsequent years, including initiatives teamed up to lobby the Government of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce such as the “Be a Tourist in Your Own the Northwest Territories on legislative over the past several years. I’ve had the Town” promotion. I can recall participat- changes that will benefit our commu- pleasure of working with four excel- ing in that one, booking a “floating dinner nity and our local economy. These efforts lent Presidents during my time as Mayor theatre” evening with Narwhal Adventures, have led to amendments to the Cities, – Larry Jacquard, Jason McEvoy, Renée and being pleasantly surprised at the fan- Towns and Villages Act, which passed in Comeau, and most recently, Mike Lalonde, tastic quality of our Yellowknife tourism the November sitting of the Legislative and have valued their feedback, input and offerings. Assembly and allows the City to cre- partnership on many City-Chamber ini- For the past two years, we’ve worked ate a hotel levy, the proceeds of which tiatives. The Chamber is also extremely closely with the Chamber of Commerce will be entirely re-invested in promoting fortunate to have a fantastic group of staff, on the “Win Your Space Yk” campaign, Yellowknife as a tourist destination. The led by the always enthusiastic and ener- which resulted in numerous contestants support of the Chamber in this effort was getic Deneen Everett. putting forward their business ideas – à la invaluable. In preparing this column, it was quite The Dragon’s Den – and which resulted in I believe our local economy is stronger remarkable to make note of all of the the establishment of Ja-Pain, Yellowknife’s because of the close working relation- projects the City and Chamber have part- first Japanese bakery (be sure to try the ship between the City of Yellowknife and nered on over the past six years. Following curry beef pan!). the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce. the 2012 election, one of the first initia- I’m very proud to report that after many By working in partnership, we can tap tives undertaken by City Council was the years of lobbying by the Chamber, the City into each other’s expertise and develop Aurora Ford specializes in taking the toughest vehicles ever creation of an Economic Development has created and Council has adopted a projects, programs and services that ben- made and makes them even tougher! We want your Ford to Strategy for Yellowknife, in which the local procurement policy to guide buy- efit all of our residents and businesses. work harder for you in our extreme Northern Climate Chamber played a critical role. Flowing ing decisions by our local government. Thank you to the many Chamber Board from this strategy, we placed consider- This ensures that we’re spending our tax members and staff who have made this able emphasis on encouraging Yellowknife dollars locally to the greatest extent pos- relationship so rewarding during my time residents to spend their dollars locally, sible. We were grateful for the guidance in office.YKCI AURORA FORD HAY RIVER AURORA FORD YELLOWKNIFE 1-800-661-1716 | 922 Mackenzie Hwy 1-800-383-9211 | 20 Old Airport Rd Same Great People. Same Great Service. Same Northern Commitment. 54 2018 YELLOWKNIFE CHAMBER INSIDER 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