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Downtown buildings Bromleys' no more

Volume 49 Issue 102 friday, march 19, 2021 75 CENTS ($1.00 outside city) Snowbuddy curbs garden attendance Organizers asked for lenience from public health for last week of festival, but in the meantime will cut maximum tickets sales from 10 to five

Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo Sarah Kalnay-Watson, left, celebrates her team's completed sculpture with zeal as teammates Ryan McCord and Byron Fitzky look on. The trio, named the Team McKalFitzMcCords, recreated the eye- catching 'Deathly Hallows' from the Harry Potter series and included elements from the stories.

Yk Galaxy Book: Sky Dump: Pepsi pops runners and inside the to top of rec heel kickers iron ring soccer league

$1.00 outside Publication mail Contract #40012157 "This was about finding those projects that make sense to work together on." 7 71605 00100 5 – Mayor Rebecca Alty is optimistic about working with the YKDFN on economic development, page 5. 2 yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 news Yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 3 Did we get it wrong? Yellowknifer is committed to getting facts and fact file names right. With that goes a commitment to acknow- ledge mistakes and run corrections. If you spot an nwt covid-19 situation as of March 18 error in Yellowknifer, call 873-4031 and ask to speak to an editor, or email [email protected]. We'll get a correction or clarification in as soon as we can. Active cases: 1 Days since first confirmed case: 364 Confirmed cases: 74 Days since last confirmed case: 25 Recovered cases: 73 Vaccines News Completed tests: 15,469 First doses administered: 19,685 Negative tests: 15,390 Scan for the Second doses administered: 12,389 Briefs latest GNWT 35 Total doses administered: 32,074 Feedback sought on MLA pay Pending tests: Covid-19 statistics The Independent Commission to review Source: Office of the Chief Public Health Officer MLA compensation is calling on NWT resi- dents to reach out with views and opinions on MLA salaries and benefits. Anyone with something to say about MLA compensation is invited to contact the Com- mission at [email protected] or submit a web YK developer buys form at the Commission's website by May 1, 2021. The Commission has been appointed by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to review the current salaries, allowances, expenses and benefits provided to MLAs. The Commission, a team of three members including the Chair, Bromley properties is set to provide its recommendations to the Speaker by Aug. 20, 2021. Information on expenses, allowances and other benefits owed to MLAs on top of their $107,940 annual salary, can be found on the NT Assembly website. – Natalie Pressman One of the possible locations for the Saturday night AuroraSide Chat planned 60-unit Astronomy North is hosting a virtual apartment com- AuroraSide chat to discuss solar cycle 25 and plex is the lot of the timing of the next solar maximum – the the Gondola Build- period of high solar activities that drives dur- ing and former ation and level of the Northern lights. Day Shelter on 51 Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. Zoom partici- pants can tune in to learn more about the sun's Street, said Range 11 year cycle with Astronomy North president Lake Develop- James Pugsley and the University of Calgary's ments president Dr. David Knudsen. Biswanath Chak- Aurora tourism with be a key econom- rabarty, who pur- ic driver of Yellowknife's financial recovery. chased the two That's why, Pugsley said, residents might be buildings and three interested to know about the higher levels of solar activity set for the next three to five years. others on Feb. 26. With Aurora forecasts looking particularly Blair McBride/NNSL photo promising on Friday and Saturday nights, he said it could be an opportunity to talk science while observing the lights themselves. – Natalie Pressman 60-unit affordable housing complex planned Kilt and Castle supports by Blair McBride create employment and tax revenue. We can nity development. live music petition Northern News Services do that if the government helps us." "Thousands of our housing units and mil- Kilt and Castle Pub owner Bob Stewart said A Yellowknife property developer has Part of his development plan is building lions of dollars worth of commercial office he supports a recent petition in Yellowknife to acquired iconic downtown buildings and an apartment complex of about 60 units in space are owned by southern REITs or vari- bring back live music. plans to construct an apartment building downtown Yellowknife. ous southern multibillion dollar investment Earlier this month, musician Patrick Jacob- consisting of 60 affordable and environmen- He hopes to access a Canada Mortgage funds. These landlords have long treated son and Trevor Sinclair, president of Music tally-friendly units. and Housing Commission real estate as an investment NWT pushed for the Department of Health and Range Lake Developments Ltd has pur- grant to build the structure, rather than the offices and Social Services to try to better find a way to chased the 50-50 Mini Mall, Dawn Build- which he said will be afford- homes we work and live in," help the live music scene in Yellowknife which ing, Graham Bromley Building, Gondola able for professionals, bach- Johnson said. has been mostly inactive since the beginning of Building and Day Shelter Building for an elors and couples who earn The MLA said those dol- the pandemic. undisclosed amount, said company president less than $100,000 per year. lars could be going to local Stewart, who is currently in Nova Scotia Biswanath Chakrabarty, on Wednesday. "In Yellowknife it's dif- landlords, Indigenous devel- said that there are stricter public health meas- The five properties were purchased from ficult to grow. To keep staff opment corporations and ures in that province, but live music is still Bromley & Sons Ltd, said Chakrabarty. The here is challenging," he said. to "anyone willing to make allowed in bars. sale closed on Feb. 26. "Rent can be hard to afford sure that our government's "It is ludicrous that it hasn't been allowed in Chakrabarty said his company is in the for many people. We need rent money stays in this ter- the NWT and I have been plenty vocal in the process of acquiring a sixth property, but he affordable housing here. ritory." past that they need to allow bands to perform," declined to identify its location. We can have self-contained Chakrabarty said he he stated in an email. Four of the properties and three parking units in the rooms and it can strongly supports Johnson's Stewart said that he feels health officials lots in downtown Yellowknife were put on be 20 per cent cheaper than comments in the assembly. Biswanath chakrabarty are "unfairly targeting musicians" with little sale in July 2020 for a combined total of market rent." "We have to go back to evidence that they are providing benefit. $7.6 million. Bromley & Sons had owned For environmental the basics," he said. "In Yel- " It also significantly affects the profitability the 50-50 mall and Graham Bromley Build- aspects of the building, the aim will be to lowknife there are businesses with head of certain bars and not others, making it a com- ing since 1997, and the Gondola Building keep heating costs low by possibly incorpo- offices in big cities in the south. But where petitively unfair rule," he added. since 2003. rating technologies such as solar energy or are they paying their corporate taxes? We – Simon Whitehouse A representative of Bromley & Sons pellet boilers. need businesses in Yellowknife where prof- wasn't immediately available for comment. Chakrabarty is considering two locations its stay here and corporate profits stay here." NWT population gained 17 for the apartment: the lot where the Gondola Commenting on the sale of the five Keeping jobs, profits inside NWT Building and former Day Shelter sits on 51 properties in Yellowknife, Johnson said that people in 2020, stats show The acquisitions help keep all facets Street and a spot in the "heart of downtown" when the portfolio initially went up for sale The NWT's population grew by 17 people of business development inside the NWT, that he won't yet disclose. he assumed it would end up in the hands of in 2020 compared to previous year, the NWT Chakrabarty explained. Construction could start in summer 2022, a southern REIT. Bureau of Statistics said in a news release "It brings jobs because we'll create jobs he said. But he was pleasantly surprised to learn a Thursday. for people who take care of and maintain the The property plans of Range Lake Devel- local owner took it on. The increase brings the population of the buildings, like carpenters and janitors. And opments, initially announced on Facebook "I wish them all the luck in developing territory to 45,136 people as of Jan. 1, 2021, we'll pay corporate taxes here. Everything on March 12, came three days after Yel- these," he said. "(It's) getting harder and according to Statistics Canada data. stays here," he said. "It's a no-brainer that lowknife North MLA raised harder to find locals willing to put that much – Blair McBride encouraging local landlords will increase concern about leasing from southern property capital into Yellowknife and this seems to business opportunities for local business and owners who have little interest in commu- align well with GNWT and city priorities." 4 yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 news Non-resident rotational workers can now receive Covid-19 vaccinations Workers at mines, oil and gas sites began receiving shots on March 12 by Blair McBride Northern News Services The NWT has begun offering the Covid-19 vaccine to non-resident rota- tional workers at mines and oil and gas sites. This new priority group began receiving vaccines on Friday, March 12, following direction from the chief public health officer (CPHO), the GNWT said in a news release Mon- day. This group includes workers at Imperial Oil in Norman Wells and mines operated by Rio Tinto (Diavik), Arctic Canadian Diamond Company (Ekati), and De Beers (Gahcho Kué). Non-resident workers at those sites have or will receive notification about vaccine dates through their employ- ers. The GNWT has requested 12,000 additional doses – above the original allotment of 51,600 doses – from the federal government specifically for non-resident workers. photo courtesy of De Beers Vaccinations of other non-resident Non-resident rotational workers such as miners began receiving Covid-19 vaccinations on March 12, said the GNWT. rotational workers will continue to be assessed by the CPHO on a case-by- Outbreaks at remote worksites in invited to email the CPHO to ask for from getting their promised doses of the NWT is on track to provide both case basis. the NWT and the development of an individual exemption," said Health vaccine, the government said. doses of the vaccine to 75 per cent Increasing immunity by vaccina- new Covid-19 variants in other parts Minister . "Though this The NWT is ahead of schedule of its adult population by the end of tions at these worksites will protect of Canada highlight the importance still remains an option, I am glad to in offering first doses to residents April 2021. The GNWT will not incur residents, their families and residents of protecting rotational workers living see that these large worksites have 18 years of age and older in all 33 any additional costs associated with in the NWT communities where some and working inside the territory, the been added to the priority list which communities, with 19,685 first doses vaccinating non-resident rotational workers return between shifts – par- GNWT said. will ensure additional safety for NWT given and 12,389 second doses as of workers. ticularly the most remote and vulner- "We've said since the beginning residents and communities." Tuesday, according to GNWT data. To date, the NWT has received able communities where access to that non-resident workers not includ- Plans to vaccinate rotational work- With the arrival of the fifth Mod- four shipments of the Moderna vac- health care is limited. ed in our initial priority groups are ers will not prevent NWT residents erna shipment expected next week, cine, totalling 35,300 doses. news Yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 5 City, YKDFN co-ordinate on economy 'We have slight differences but we also have a lot of common interests' by Simon Whitehouse have developed a joint eco- together given the anticipated budget and so being able to need to be pulling in the March 22 regular meeting. Northern News Services nomic development strategy," slowdown of the economy pool our resources to improve same direction because it This will lead to city staff The City of Yellowknife she said. over the next decade due to the economy is important," does look like there are some coming up with a plan to and Yellowknives Dene First YKDFN, as a First Nation pending diamond mine clos- the mayor said. "To not be tough upcoming years." put the strategy in action – Nation are aiming to find government, has its own pri- ures, among other factors. working against each other Council will be asked to expected to be finalized later common ground in draw- orities as a council, which are "We each have a finite is also important. We really approve the document at the this year. ing economic benefits to the different from Yellowknife's region. municipal-style government. A joint economic develop- "We have slight differ- ment strategy was presented ences but we also have a lot to city council at the govern- of common interests and this ance and priorities committee was about finding those pro- meeting on March 15. jects that make sense to work The 100-page document together on," said Alty. was drafted over the last year In December 2019, the by MDB Insight and Dillon city and YKDFN signed a Consulting and funded by memorandum of understand- the Federation of Canadian ing to advance reconciliation, Municipalities and the Can- a big part of which was to adian Northern Economic cooperate in areas of infra- Development Agency. structure and economic devel- Mayor Rebecca Alty said opment. although both governments Last April, at the height of have their own strategies, the Covid-19 pandemic, work this is the first time where began on the joint strategy the two elected bodies have document. jointly focused on common Three main areas that economic goals. were identified included local "We as a city have an eco- business and entrepreneur- nomic development strategy ship supports, tourism, and passed last year and YKDFN workplace development. image courtesy of the City of Yellowknife they also have one, but there Alty said it's important for A joint economic development strategy proposed to city council on March 15 focuses on areas of com- has been nothing where we both communities to work mon interest between the municipality and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Good news jobs report shows NWT doing better than before the pandemic But chamber sees 'Band-Aid' solution behind the rosy figures by Blair McBride NWT in February compared ber of 2020 to 9,600 in Janu- businesses to close when the 69.7 per cent, the highest since Indigenous people it grew by Northern News Services to the 21,900 employed in the ary. funding programs end as it is December 2016," the report 500 to 15,100. The NWT employment rate same month in 2020, although Both the goods and servi- all that is keeping them afloat said. In the 15-24 age bracket, reached 66.7 per cent in Febru- those gains were in part-time ces-producing industries grew currently. For men it fell by 100 to employment rose from 2,100 ary, exceeding rates seen in the employment which saw 1,200 in February compared to the "Of course we hope that the 11,100 in February 2021. in February 2020 to 2,800 in months before the Covid-19 more people working. year before, at 300 and 500 numbers improve and we are Among Indigenous resi- February 2021. It remained pandemic in 2020. There were 500 fewer jobs, respectively. very proud of the businesses dents, employment rose by 300 unchanged in that period for The rate marks the highest people employed in full-time But NWT Chamber of in the NWT that have been to 7,500 people in people aged 25 and older, sit- of any February since 2016, jobs. Commerce president Jenni so resilient through this entire February 2021; for non- ting at 19,800. when it was at 71 per cent, Public sector employment Bruce hesitates to accept the process and hope that these according to the Labour Force in February 2021 grew by statistics on higher levels of numbers are accurate." Activity report released Friday 800 to 10,700 people; while in employment as cause for cele- Employment among by the NWT Bureau of Sta- the private sector in February bration. women increased in the one- tistics. 9,900 people were employed, "I am concerned that it is year period, rising from 10,700 February's rate was also down from 10,000 in 2020. mostly the hiring of GNWT in February 2020 to 11,500 in higher than the 58.4 per cent That continued a three-month temporary positions to deal February 2021. employment rate for the rest slide. with Covid and that the "Females primar- of Canada. The private sector experi- increase is only a band aid," ily accounted for the gains Seven-hundred more enced the reverse trend: grow- she said. "I believe that econo- in employed persons, repre- people were employed in the ing from 9,400 jobs in Decem- mists are also predicting many senting an employment rate of 6 yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 news Judge weighs El Salvadorian man's 'horrendous' past like a Gladue factor Judge Donovan Molloy drew parallels between the offender's childhood trauma andthose considered in sentencing Indigenous people by Natalie Pressman in Mexico, then Yorkton, Sask. Northern News Services Molloy explained that the In November, a man with court has an obligation to take $600 in pocket refused to pay personal circumstances and his cab fare. He then resisted trauma into account in deter- arrest when cops showed up. mining the offender's moral In his own words, the blameworthiness. offender called his actions "You're not Indigenous "stupid." but you are a person who has The man, convicted of faced, frankly, a horrendous assaulting a peace officer, was history in terms of your child- sentenced Monday to 15 days hood in El Salvador," Molloy in jail followed by a year of said. probation. He will have 20 The judge told the man that hours of community service his criminal record necessi- to complete within the first tated jail time for this offence. six months of his release. The The man has a history of vio- offender, who was intoxicated lence, including convictions of at the time of the incident, was assault, obstruction of justice also ordered to complete coun- and several other alcohol-relat- selling during his probation. ed offences. Presiding judge Donovan However, he was noted to Molloy drew parallels between be a good worker in his trade the man's childhood and as a welder and received a Indigenous offenders who fall glowing letter from a former under the umbrella of Gladue employer. factors, which compel Can- Defence lawyer Paul Falvo adian judges to consider the told the court that the man systemic challenges faced by apologized to the officers as Indigenous people when sen- soon as he was arrested. tencing them for crimes. "I feel gross for the things The offender fled El Salva- I've done," the man told the dor in a crate, along with his court, admitting he will seek NNSL file photo mother, brother and father – a help for his dependence on After refusing to pay cab fare and resisting arrest, the offender, intoxicated at the time, was sentenced guerilla fighter with the mil- alcohol. "I'm trying to make itary. The family docked first those positive changes." to 15 days in custody followed by 12 months of probation. news Yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 7 Help us help ourselves, Yk leaders say MLA, mayor see eye-to-eye on devolution of power from the GNWT

by Blair McBride For Yellowknife Mayor dations to generate additional to manage their own affairs. Northern News Services Rebecca Alty, amendments or revenue. "Here in the NWT we're not Territorial red tape is trip- updates to the Cities, Towns It was the result of an at that level yet. We're trying ping up NWT municipalities, and Villages Act, from which amendment to the Cities, to get the GNWT on board to say Yellowknife politicians. the city derives its authority, Towns and Villages Act that consider a legislative change," While the issue has come would, among other things, was passed by the NWT legis- the mayor said. "We're not up in the past, the latest leader help it push through legislation lature in November 2018. looking to get health or educa- to voice concern over devolv- faster. In the current legislative "That simple change that tion delegated to the city. We're ing powers is Yellowknife structure, changes move at a wouldn't seem like it would looking to get more municipal North MLA Rylund Johnson. very slow pace, if they move cause much disagreement took government-specific legisla- In the legislative assembly at all. more than 10 years (to push tion delegated to us." on March 11, Johnson said Alty referred to an issue through)," Alty said. "One of When the current cabinet NNSL file photo Yellowknife has the capacity Johnson raised in the assembly the communities didn't think and premier were elected in A city charter, similar to the City of Toronto Act, to deal with land value taxes, relating to a vote in support of it was a good idea so we had fall 2019, Yellowknife council liquor regulations and voting permanent residents being able to consult with everyone to get sent them a letter outlining its would give Yellowknife more flexibility to manage rights but it lacks the power. to vote in elections. On March everyone on board. It took that priorities and a city charter its own affairs, says Mayor Rebecca Alty. The MLA said the structure 9, 2020, Yellowknife council many years to communicate was among them. The council of community governments carried a motion on voting, and educate the stakeholders again met with cabinet last join the virtual Massey Cities of Toronto city council mem- allows them to be more nimble after Johnson had earlier pre- to get the political buy-in at the summer to discuss the idea Summit, where participants bers and he decreased the than the GNWT and that their sented the idea to councillors. territorial level." but after their mandate letters will discuss the changing role number of wards, which he services "on the ground" are "It passed in the sense that A city charter is one solu- were released in September, a of municipalities in the con- was legally allowed to do. more important than much we support it but now it's up to tion to more powers and get- city charter wasn't included in text of Canadian federalism. "That might have been of the work of the legislative the GNWT to change the legis- ting things done faster, John- MACA's letter. "(Cities) are creatures of true when the constitution assembly. lation to allow us to do that. son and Alty believe. "I know it's a new idea so provinces or territories. They was written back in the day, But the GNWT hasn't given The ball's in their court on that A charter could take on it will take some time to get only have authority based on but today cities are more community governments suf- one. The Local Authorities many forms, but Alty cited traction," Alty said. "MACA what the province or territory mature and deserve more ficient power because, for one Elections Act dictates who can the charters of Edmonton and staff are meeting later this gives them," Yellowknife's legislative authority. This thing, the Department of Muni- vote in municipal elections," Calgary and the City of Toron- month to discuss it so we'll mayor said. "Like when conference will discuss how cipal and Community Affairs she said. to Act that gave those cities see where it goes." Doug Ford became Ontario cities can get more of that (MACA) hasn't brought for- Another issue over which more flexibility and authority In April, Alty hopes to premier, he cut the number authority." ward relevant legislation. the city would like authority "I would like MACA to is vacant commissioner's land engage discussions on a city inside municipal boundaries. charter with them. I would like If the city had jurisdiction, to have conversations about it could potentially add more devolving powers," Johnson residential areas. Currently, said. "I can't foresee a legisla- Yellowknife must ask the tive assembly where there will Department of Lands to trans- ever be agreement on liquor, fer land to it by parcels. yet I believe there is a path for- "We're asking the GNWT ward where we give commun- to delegate it one more step (to ities control over what they us). Land within our bound- want their liquor regulations to aries should be transferred to look (like)." the municipality, excluding He asked MACA Min- Akaitcho land claim with- ister if there drawals," Alty said. are plans to update the Cities, One "flagship success" the Towns and Villages Act and city has had in trying to take other related legislation in the on more powers was with the life of the current assembly. hotel levy, a move that allows Chinna responded that the municipalities in the NWT to act won't be updated by the impose a tax of up to four existing government. per cent on tourism accommo- 8 yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 Editorial & Opinions Published Wednesdays and Fridays Comments and views from Yellowknifer and letters to the editor

P.O. Box 2820, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2R1 Office: 5108 50th Street, Yellowknife Phone: (867) 873-4031 Fax: (867) 873-8507 Toll free: (855) 873-6675 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com The Arnica Inn, now FOUNDER (1934-2018): Spruce Bough, a shel- J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason ter with a managed PUBLISHER, CEO: alcohol program, was Bruce Valpy – [email protected] transformed because Chief Financial Officer: of a grassroots plan Judy Triffo – [email protected] (and the urgency of COORDINATING EDITOR: the pandemic), not a Craig Gilbert– [email protected] consultant's study or ACCOUNTING: [email protected] an internal review. Florie Mariano • Salleah Wagas NNSL file photo

Editorial board: Bruce Valpy • Craig Gilbert • Emily McInnis

Reporters: [email protected] Simon Whitehouse • Natalie Pressman Blair McBride

Sports: James McCarthy – [email protected]

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ADVERTISING: [email protected] Representatives: Petra Memedi Review, redux, James Boylan • Brock Grills Advertising manager: Zerline Rodriguez Account executive: Laura Whittle Social media manager: Wesley Cook Administrative assistant: Miko Wu

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Customer Service: Holly Yestrau [email protected] No need to go in circles on housing, go to the nation's capital instead Northern News Services CIRCULATION: [email protected] initiate a broad evaluation and Circulation Director: Amy Yang Oh, great! Another review! review of The 19th Legislative Assembly is The issue: Housing Corporation's programs to Subscriptions: running the risk of being remem- Housing review ensure that they meet the needs Print: (mail) $95/year bered as the collective of ministers of residents and that programming Online: (entire content) $50/year We say: and MLAs who pick up every policy Answer in Ottawa supports the goal of decreasing core and piece of legislation and reevalu- need," Cochrane wrote at the time. ate them. "The survey will inform a thorough The latest is a reassessment cost analysis on different types of of the NWT Housing Corporation The minister promised to make a housing programs, including home (NWTHC), which regular MLAs greater effort to tap into $60 million ownership versus public housing pushed through on March 10. for affordable housing through that options." The NWTHC is being directed to fund. The landscape hasn't changed update its policies to incorporate its Simpson targeted Chinna again much over the intervening years. NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED role in social wellness and, before last week, calling on Premier Caroline There's no need to reinvent the 100% Northern owned and operated evicting tenants, provide referrals to Cochrane to fire the housing minister, wheel. Publishers of: Inuvik Drum •Kivalliq News appropriate government programs. but the Premier refused to bite. Yellowknife MLA Rylund Johnson Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub Kam Lake MLA Cochrane is exceedingly familiar and Frame Lake MLA Kevin O'Reilly NWT News/North Nunavut News/North made reference to the 2019 NWT with the territory's housing woes, are singing from the same songbook Community Survey that showed having served as minister in 2017 on this topic. Member of: close to half of homes in the territory when a 110-page community survey Johnson said clear leadership is Canadian Community Newspapers Association Ontario Community Newspapers Association have at least one major problem. report was released. The document needed that would go to Ottawa with Manitoba Community Newspapers Association There are myriad problems with reflected nearly 1,500 responses a plan and secure funding to "truly Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association houses North of 60, the biggest one from all communities, and Cochrane move the dial on housing. Absent us Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils being that there are too few of them. travelled extensively to see and hear doing it, it will not happen." Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce Housing Minister Paulie Chinna, about the issues firsthand. O'Reilly expressed similar senti- Contents copyright – printed in the North by Canarctic Graphics Limited having inherited the oft-troubled port- Some of the common themes ment: "We have to have the case folio, has been feeling the heat since included a need for more public ready and the ask ready and make becoming boss of the NWTHC. housing, overcrowding, improving the that the priority when we go to She had to defend the housing accessibility and delivery of home Ottawa. It's not about big infrastruc- Send us your comments corporation in February 2020 when a ownership programs, and strong sup- ture projects, it's about housing." You can e-mail us at [email protected]; mail to Box 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off plan to convert the Arnica Inn into 42 port for "integrated approaches to So, with the clouds of Covid grad- at our office at 5108-50th Street. All letters submitted must be signed with a return units of transitional housing initially address homelessness, identifying ually lifting, Chinna and Cochrane address and daytime telephone number so that we fell through due to what was clearly partnerships as key to achieving suc- should be preparing to book tickets can confirm it came from you. Not all letters will necessarily be published. Pref- poor communication between the cessful outcomes." to the nation's capital with firm erence is given to short letters of broad interest or concern. NWTHC and the federal government. Some residents offered "very demands to fix the NWT's housing We particularly encourage new contributors as Last October, Hay River South MLA detailed ideas on potential solu- hardships. While there, put in a good we attempt to publish a cross-section of public opinion. Rocky Simpson put Chinna on the tions." word for the City of Yellowknife and Letters of more than 300 words, open letters and those published elsewhere are seldom used. We spot by asking why, after two years, Ten per cent of survey respondents the Yellowknives Dene's rapid hous- reserve the right to edit for length or taste and to "not a penny of the National Hous- identified themselves as homeless, ing proposals. eliminate inaccurate or libelous statements. We may also choose to use a letter as the basis ing Co-Investment Fund has been by the way. We can't afford to take no for an for a story. accessed by an NWT-based builder. "This survey and its results will answer. commentary Yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 9 Inside the iron ring of protection

Flanked by his wife Karla Ford, left and their daugh- ters, Krista, Kayla, Kara and Kyla, now- Ontario Pre- mier Doug Ford celebrates his election win in June 2018. Doug Ford/Flickr photo

tion novel. It does conjure up some powerful But getting back to the original statement Seeing, talking and touching would help ideas. But are they real or imagined and just of putting in an iron ring of protection around tremendously to lessen the isolation and each Tales from how does one fortify an iron ring? Do you the seniors, it seems it was much more rhet- home should have such a room for use dur- haul in more iron, build some turrets and orical than any actual plan because the virus ing pandemics and the ordinary flu and cold the dump install some virus killing plasma lasers? is still hitting senior's homes hard. So while seasons. Hospitals could do the same thing Does iron have some inherent property to stirring statements may help bolster people's because loved ones, friends and family visits Walt Humphries is a well-known repel the evil viruses? I did a search for rings feelings, it does little to protect people or do help heal. Yellowknife artist and prospector. of iron and all I really came across was that slow the pandemic. Rather than building mega seniors' homes, engineers wear iron rings. So, was he sug- This would be a good time to form some smaller more accessible ones might be the Northern News Services gesting a ring of engineers stand in a circle panels of knowledgeable people from several answer. Personally, I think the way we divide If there was a prize for the most colourful around the senior homes, dressed in suits and disciplines and perspectives to look at the up our society by age groups and even jobs statement made by a Canadian Politician dur- with hard hats on, holding their iron rings high problem. How do we modify the buildings is a mistake. There should be more contact ing 2020, I would think the phrase by Doug to form a pulsating purple protective shield? we already have to make them better and between all the age groups. I think it would Ford might be in the running. His statement Now, I have a lot of respect for engineers how do we handle things in the future? We make everyone healthier and happier and repeated several times "We are going to build and what they are capable of doing. Having a might have to consider alternative approaches. more productive and understanding. an iron ring of protection around our seniors" few around might not be a bad idea because As for new buildings, I think every old There should be more interaction between is a classic. Especially since he later tweeted given time and resources, I am sure they age home or hospital should have a special adults and children, students and seniors. that they even planned to fortify the iron ring. could come up with ways to modify some of visitor's room. One where visitors can enter This pandemic has given us an ideal time to I heard that and I tried to imagine what a the senior's homes and make them much bet- from the outside and residents can enter re-think some of the divisions and institu- big iron ring around a senior's home would ter, safer and more comfortable. from the inside. Then they can talk and see tionalization that plagues our society. De- look like. It sounds magical, mystical, or even They could certainly come up with ways to each other through a clear barrier. Also, they institutionalization is a mighty big word, but mythological. Something you might read better ventilate them and cut down on airborne could add touching stations with protective I hope it will become a future trend. Let's about in a book like the Lord of the Rings, infections. They could probably do the same sleeves so people can hold each other's hands make things a whole lot more humane. That Harry Potter or in some fanciful science fic- for schools, hospitals, and public buildings. without passing on any viruses or germs. is a nice simple word and concept. Early learners and medication Northern News Services Language barriers Children learn sharing early in life. Will people who are bilingual show a Something that shouldn't be shared is delay in the onset of Alzheimer's disease medications. What works well for you or other forms of dementia? So far, the could be devastating for another. Share results are mixed. There is a theory that information only and allow your friend to learning another language helps develop talk to her doctor to see if that medication the brain's cognitive reserve through is right for you. increased blood flow and enhancement of the activity of Wacky weed brain cells. The jury is still out With the various ways avail- on this one but learning another able to use marijuana, smoking language is a positive skill. It's is the worst for your health. easier to learning another lan- Exposing toxic smoke to the guage when you're young but it's delicate linings of the lungs is never too late. certainly not good for them. If one is a heavy smoker of Family planning marijuana, it affects the levels There is another long-acting, of dopamine in the brain which Capsule reversible birth control method in turn can affect memory and now available in Canada. A judgment often resulting in Comments small, matchstick-sized flexible impulsive behaviour. In youths, rod is inserted in the inside of heavy marijuana smoking Aaron La Borde is a pharmacist at the upper arm releasing the con- affects the full development of Sutherland Drugs. traceptive drug slowly providing the brain which reaches matur- protection for three years. A ity at about age 25. good alternative to the "pill." 10 yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 commentary Sky runners and kneel kickers

Northern News Services Johnston explores the history and the Those Who Run in the Sky by Aviaq purpose behind each cultural practice Johnston is a story about redemption that comes up, resulting in this novel coming from the most unexpected of being impactful both for its plot and the places. Told through the eyes of Pitu, a knowledge it shares. young shaman who is hurled Once Pitu's journey to unexpectedly on a journey retrieve Taktuq begins in to find another shaman who earnest, Those Who Run had mysteriously disappeared in the Sky takes on a new years before, this novel was dimension, exploring the spirit both charming and heartfelt. world and the mysterious A lovely book for young island devoid of both hard- readers with enough lore and ships and happiness where relevant subject matter to be the old shaman is seemingly equally enjoyable to grown- trapped. On Pitu's journey ups, Those Who Run in the towards Taktuq's isolated Sky was a fantastic debut book island, he unknowingly brings novel from an author who has review with him the key to escaping more than established herself Grace Guy is a lifelong the spirit world, but he is also since then. Yellowknifer and lover of trailed by a dark wolf who The description of this literature. causes nothing except destruc- novel led me to assume it tion. would be more substantially Though Pitu is the main based in the spirit world, but I found that character of this novel, it always felt to Pitu's journey made up less than half of me like interesting things were happen- Those Who Run in the Sky. Instead, this ing to him instead of him doing anything endearing novel spent much more time to drive the story forward, which left him within Pitu's community exploring the feeling a little but hollow or puppet-like daily life of the Inuit before the coloniza- through the entire story. As Pitu's journey tion of the North. felt incomplete to me by the end of Those There was a surprisingly short amount Who Run in the Sky, I was happy to hear of time spent on Pitu's journey to find that Pitu's journey continues in the novel Taktuq, the missing shaman, and a lot Those Who Dwell Below. more time spent exploring the Inuit pro- Those Who Run in the Sky neatly cesses of hunting, tattooing, traveling, combines both good storytelling and the and Pitu's family life. practice of preserving and sharing Inuit Johnston's focus on Inuit culture knowledge. With gorgeous and suitably continues as Those Who Run in the Sky creepy illustrations by Toma Feizo Gas, follows Pitu into the spirit world, where the story of Pitu's life and his journey he encounters Inuit creatures such as the into the spirit world is brought to life. A qallupilluit and competes against himself great read for middle schoolers or anyone photo courtesy of Inhabit Media in various Inuit games, such as the one- of any age who wants to explore Pitu's Told through the eyes of Pitu, a young shaman who is hurled unexpectedly on a journey to foot high kick and the kneel jump. world, Those Who Run in the Sky was find another shaman who had mysteriously disappeared years before, Those Who Run in Blending storytelling with education, an enjoyable and memorable book for me. the Sky was both charming and heartfelt, writes columnist Grace Guy. news Yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 11 Not everyone will get to enter snow garden: festival staff

If you've already been inside the snow garden, festival staff ask that you kindly give others the chance. photo courtesy of Bill Braden

Each round of tickets has sold out in minutes by Natalie Pressman If you are one of the lucky few, and later to keep the winter tradition alive during these "fully intends to bounce back next winter with Northern News Services can't make your ticket time, staff ask that you difficult days." another frozen fortress – form and festival Two weeks into Snowbuddy's 2021 winter cancel through the festival registration system In 2022 the release states Snowbuddy details TBD." garden and some have not yet had the chance as soon as possible. to see behind castle walls. "No-shows are just no good," Mike Mitch- While Snowbuddy and his team have asked ell, AKA Black Ice Mike, wrote in a news the office of the chief public health officer to release Wednesday. increase capacity for the festival's final week, To Yellowknifers unable to reserve a ticket, reduced capacity dictates that only about a Mitchell encourages them to still venture out third of the 16,000 usual visitors will be able on Yellowknife Bay to see the snow sculp- to enter the garden. tures and carvings adorning the exterior of To try to accommodate as many Yellow- the castle. knifers as possible, the snow buddies are The final admissions round goes live Sun- asking those who have tickets to hold off on day morning at 9 a.m. The festival runs until booking admission tickets for the last week of March 28 and is seeking volunteers to man the festival. the garden during March break. When the final round of admission slots go The snow crew acknowledges the likeli- live Sunday, festival staff have also indicated hood that some may still not be able to book that tickets will now be booked at a maximum a spot, but asks that residents "take comfort of five at a time. in the fact that Snowbuddy has done his best 12 yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 news Two contracts to be awarded for 2021 paving program Con Road area in line for major upgrades

by Simon Whitehouse She added that the area is prob- Northern News Services ably just as dangerous as anywhere The City of Yellowknife is else in Yellowknife. expected to move forward with "I think walking is risky almost two pavement contracts next week everywhere in the city," she said. after council approved in principle "Walkers are the exception, not the the 2021 paving program during rule. I like to think if there were Monday's governance and priorities more cyclists and walkers we'd have committee meeting. more cautious drivers." The city aims to rehabilitate por- tions of five streets, equating to Second contract about 1.3 kilometres, according to a Other work taking place in the March 15 governance and priorities city will be reflected in a second committee memorandum. contract – 2021 Paving Contract B – which will see a paving upgrade Con Road from gravel on Forrest Park, asphalt One of the major components of laid on 54 Avenue between 49 and this year's work will be Con Road School Draw Avenue, and a rehabili- from Rycon Drive to Con Place. tation of failed road bases on School There were only two bidders and Draw and Moyle Drive. ACE Enterprises at $1.1 million The second paving contract is stands to be successful. poised to go to NWT Construction Eric Binion, who lives with his Ltd. for $1 million. family in the Con Road area, told Stantec, as a consultant for the Yellowknifer that infrastructure Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo municipality, estimated that each investment between Rycon and Con Con Road at the bottom of Rat Lake and between Rycon Drive and Con Place, will see of the paving projects could cost Place is a good idea because it is upgrades this construction season, pending council's approval of two contracts next week. approximately $1.7 million. "quite dangerous" walking there. Some neighbours welcome investment in the area to make it safer for foot traffic. "Costs have come in significant- "It is a bit of a blind corner and ly under the consultant's estimate was dangerous when walking with and are well within our budget," city the kids," said Binion. "Last year, as Susan Martin, who administers from the city on Feb. 15 notifying of "I've noticed – or think I've manager Sheila Bassi-Kellett said. we walked a lot during the pandem- the Con Road/Place Rycon Place the municipality's intent to upgrade noticed – an interesting increase in Councillors are expected to ic, I actually wondered if this would Neighbourhood Facebook page, the area. She said more investment foot traffic in general, I believe due decided on the contracts at a meet- be worth asking the city about." said neighbours received a letter would be beneficial for pedestrians. to the pandemic," she said. ing next week. photo story Yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 13 'Deathly' sculpture Snowbuddy's darling winter garden Feature by Simon Whitehouse

Northern News Services Jedi sculptors John Sabourin, Yellowknifer gathered on Derrald Taylor and Eli Nasog- Sunday afternoon to see the aluak. They scored 122 points final efforts being put into the and earned $500. Snowking Winter Festival's Snow King Tony Foliot Winter Garden Competition announced the winners late on Yellowknife Bay. Sunday afternoon after a panel Eight snow buddy competi- of judges – including Rebecca tors vied for a cash prize after Alty, Rylund Johnson, Terry several days of turning large Pamplin, Max Rossouw and snow blocks into works of art. Johanna Tiemessen – made The winners with 130 out their final decision. of 150 possible points were The criteria centred on Team McKalFitzMcCords creativity, technique and the with their Deathly Hallows sculptures' degree of difficulty. sculpture. The team was made "I'm very happy that every- up of Sarah Kalnay-Watson, body was able to come and Byron Fitzky, and Ryan carve and learn and enjoy, McCord. They won $1,500. and thanks to people com- Second place, with 126 ing out to enjoy and checking Sarah Kalnay-Watson, left, celebrates her team's completed sculpture with zeal as teammates Ryan points, went to Team Tall this out," Foliot said, noting McCord and Byron Fitzky look on. The trio, named the Team McKalFitzMcCords, recreated the eye-catching Taniwha of Kris Schlagint- the challenging limitations of weit, Niki McKenzie, Cat people being able to gather 'Deathly Hallows' from the Harry Potter series and included elements from the stories.The team said that McGurk, and Laura Bain. The and enter the castle during the getting the triangular form was a challenge given that the piece was an architectural design and required four took home $1,000. pandemic. equipment like an avalanche saw. "You could say high school trigonometry came into use after all," Kalnay- Third place went to Team Watson joked. They captured first prize for their efforts.

Ally Croese, 9, Olivia Croese, 12, Liam Croese, 5, and Annika Atkins, 10, hang out at the winter garden with big smiles on Sunday afternoon.

Manule Angottitauruq, 6, takes to one of the slides at the Snowking Winter Festival's castle on Sunday.

Maddy Tetreault of the Ptarmi- gods embraces her team's sculp- ture in anticipation of the judge's decision Sunday afternoon. Her team was made up of Maxence Jaillet and Roxanne Davies. 14 yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 Sports & Recreation Sports hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 As perfect as it gets Yk Galaxy Pepsi wins Yk Adult Soccer League title by James McCarthy Yk Galaxy Pepsi and the Cobras Northern News Services each had a first-round bye in the There are those seasons in sport playoffs and didn't enter until the which go down in history. quarter-final stage. The Galaxy beat The 1972 Miami Dolphins, the the Midnight Sun Mayhem in their only team to win every game in quarter-final, 9-0, followed by a a National Football League season, semifinal win over Pickaxe United, including the Super Bowl. one of the Galaxy's long-time rivals, The Invicibles in English soccer by a score of 5-2. – both versions: Preston North End Torindo said that game wasn't in 1888-1889 and Arsenal in 2003- exactly an easy one. 2004, both of which went unbeaten to "We were tied, 1-1, at halftime, win the title in each season. but we were able to shut them down," Yk Galaxy Pepsi winning the Yk he said. Adult Soccer League title may not The Cobras, meanwhile, beat reverberate around the world but they Ragged Ass 62 Degrees in the round- photo courtesy of Yk Adult Soccer League reached that same pedestal on March of-eight, 4-1, before dispatching @our- Yk Galaxy Pepsi are your winter indoor champions of the Yk Adult Soccer League after 11. friendcraig FC in the semifinal, 9-1. winning the title at the Fieldhouse on March 11. They are, front row from left, Mimi Mbimbo, They claimed the crown by beat- In the final, the Galaxy came out Tanisha Steinwand, Trey Granter, Chelsea Dubiel, Michael Sadler and Yowhans Gebreluol; back ing the Anytime Fitness Purple the better of the two teams with Gabe Cobras at the Fieldhouse, 4-1, to Mahamad scoring the opener only to row from left, assistant coach Wonder Ndhlovu, Ruzanna Smbatyan, Alexie Morin-Holland, Solii not only lift the trophy but cap off a have the Cobras come back to tie it Dzemua, Phil Breton, Agnel Poruthur, Arman Aslanyan, Mohammed Ait Ahmed, Gabe Mahamad perfect season: 35 wins out of 35 in at 1-1. and Shadaine Shirley. the regular season and three playoff Torindo said from that point, the wins. Galaxy managed to pin down the who provided some wagging tongues. to surprise. He said he wanted to focus on Dillon Torindo wasn't playing in Cobras. They had finished bottom of the table "If you don't come ready to play, getting the 16-and-17-year-old players the game – he was watching the game "We kept up the pressure on them in the regular season but sprung the those teams will catch you by sur- into the line-up and they didn't look online – but he was part of the team and made it really tough for them to first big surprise of the playoffs by prise and that's what happened with out of place at all. for much of the season. play in their own end," he said. "We beating the third-placed Woodyard (the Pussycats)," he said. "We played "We've been developing them in He said he was expecting to see wanted to squeeze them out from the Growlers in the opening round, 3-0. them one game this season and we (the club system) for about six months the Cobras in the final. ball and it worked." They very nearly made it two won with the final kick of the game. and the coaches wanted to see how "They've been close with us all Mahamad scored two more goals shocks on the spin but Pickaxe United They're a good side and they just they would do," he said. "They were season and I knew we would prob- before Michael Sadler potted the made sure of that, though the final didn't get the results." at the age where they could play in ably end up facing them in the final," fourth goal to salt things away. scoreline of 4-3 ensured it wouldn't As for the Galaxy, if you think the adult league and we wanted to he said. "They finished behind us in Like any good playoff run, there's be easy passage. their perfect season is courtesy of have a good rotation of players. Their the standings and they have a really always an underdog story and this Torindo said there's always one a loaded team, you'd be sadly mis- tempo was good but we were pushing good side." year, it was Maley and the Pussycats team each season which never fails taken, according to Torindo. them and they showed they can do it." Sensible and not-so-sensible decisions Northern News Services people that the reason he was tagged was to get a price on it something serious. Look, if you don't agree with the rules, there are other ways and everyone knew he was full of high-grade horse fertilizer Bad Idea: Walking off the tennis court over one call. to go about showing your displeasure than what this prime by that point. This is what Rovell's modus operandi is. He's I have seen outbursts like this before and only in tennis can specimen did at Disney World in Florida. someone who once got mad at another sportswriter about the one player become so agitated to the point where they end up Kelly McKin was at the (allegedly) Happiest Place on Earth grab bag during a Super Bowl media week so I wouldn't expect acting worse than my five-year-old when her iPad gets taken earlier this month and went without a mask. Now, it's Disney's anything less. It's Rovell's job to write about the business end away. rules so you have to wear a mask. If you don't want to, you can of sports but Everiette didn't want to monetize Damir Dzumhur was playing in the ATP simply not go, as I would do. But McKin decided it would be things. He simply showed Rovell his collection 500 event in Acapulco, Mexico earlier this prudent to not only refuse to put one on but proceed to load up and that's it. Sports month in men's singles versus Botic van de and spit on the guard that reminded him. That's battery in the Someone needs to learn to just take the L. Zandschulp. It's 5-5 in the opening set, 11 th state of Florida and he was rightfully charged with a crime. Talk game, deuce. Van de Zandschulp hits a fore- Not only is it a crime but it's just disgusting, no matter what A sensible decision with James McCarthy hand slice which the line judge felt caught age we're living in. I would have dealt with it differently but So the World Women's Curling Champion- enough of the back service line and called it you knew that already. ship will be happening after all. Curling Can- in. Dzumhur didn't think so and wanted the Anyway: ada announced it will happen inside the bubble umpire to overrule. It didn't happen. in Calgary, where everything has been happening for curling You know what's coming next, right? It's a card collection, dude over the past month. Dzumhur did what most professional tennis players do Darren Rovell is an analyst in the world of sports betting You'll recall that the World Curling Federation cancelled when they don't get their way: go to the umpire, complain, tell and sports business. He's also a pure dingbat of the highest the original version, which was supposed to happen in Switz- them how horrible they are and continue to do so for the rest order as evidenced by his latest misadventure. erland this month but for reasons only known by just about of the match. Dzumhur must've said the magic word because Rovell was tagged by a gentleman by the name of Frankie everyone who's still drawing breath, it got canned. he was given a court violation and a warning in between Everiette on Twitter on March 13 with a photo of his late fath- The World Men's Curling Championship was already set to games. er's card collection. There are all sorts of cards: Topps, Don- happen inside the bubble so it only made sense for the women's After winning a point in the next game, Dzumhur kept it up russ, Upper Deck, Fleer etc. Anyone who collected cards like I version to be held. They couldn't honestly hold the men's event and was given another court violation, which was a point pen- did in the 1990s will know those names because they were the and not host the women. That wouldn't have been fair and I alty. card companies you wanted, if you ever wanted to sell. would have raised a stink about it. Well, that was enough for Dzumhur, who fist-bumped van Now, card collecting has taken a nosedive in recent years Besides, there's Olympic qualification on the line and no de Zandschulp and walked off but not before giving the chair and judging from Everiette's collection, he wouldn't exactly event for the women would have made things awfully tough umpire one last parting shot. If you watch the video and listen set off the jackpot bell with what's there but that wasn't good to determine who would have the right to go to Beijing for the close, you'll hear Dzumhur tell the umpire something which enough for Rovell. No, Rovell decided the entire collection was 2022 Winter Olympics. sounded close to how he was going to kill him. It's not totally junk. That's right – Mr. Everiette goes through his late father's For once, international sport bureaucrats got something clear but it sure sounds like it. cards and Rovell is worried about the monetary value of it all. right. Now, it looked like the ball was out and if Dzumhur wants Which, by the way, wasn't even mentioned in Everiette's tag to ask about it, he's well within his rights to. But this does to Rovell and was pointed out by a few people who responded And finally ... nothing to convince people that tennis players are sulky and to Rovell. Rovell tried to puff his chest out and convince Good Idea: Walking off the tennis court in protest over spoiled. I'll say this, though: he's no Viktor Troicki. Yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 15 16 yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 Yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 17 18 yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 Yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021 19 20 yellowknifer, Friday, March 19, 2021