Yellowknife election candidates face student questions on housing, transit and recreation

YELLOWKNIFE · Candidates for Yellowknife's municipal election answered questions from high school students at a forum on Thursday evening. The event at École Sir John Franklin High School featured both mayoral candidates and 13 council hopefuls, who were cut off by a gong if they went over their allotted time. Students took on duties from moderation to timekeeping, posing questions on homelessness, active transportation, downtown revitalization and housing. Many candidate answers focused on the need for more housing units and city support for affordable projects.

"Until there's somewhere for vulnerable people to go, there is really very little to gain from having increased bylaw patrols and all of this sort of stuff," said council candidate Jeremy Flatt. "All you're really doing is adding another layer of suffering to the suffering people are already experiencing." Candidate Skye Plowman said the city has an "absolute responsibility" to advocate to the territorial government for rent control to regulate how landlords can raise rents. "If that doesn't line up with the cost of living, then next thing you know, people can't afford the homes that they've lived in for years," she said.

On the topic of reducing carbon emissions, students asked if candidates would change the city's approach to promoting walking, cycling and transit. Candidate Rob Foote pointed to the transportation plan recently adopted by city council. "My goal would be to continue to refine this plan to ensure that snow clearing, public transportation, active transportation and road safety are at the forefront of all conversations to give residents alternative options through all seasons," he said. Candidate Roberta Campbell said she is in favour of reviewing bus schedules to expand hours of service, citing her experience in nursing school. "By 7 o'clock we'd have to be on the floor, changed in [our] uniform, ready to look at your charts," she said. "But none of us could take the bus, because the bus wasn't running at that time." She also supported adding more lighting to trails and maintaining them in winter for fat bike users.

READ MORE: Ottawa voters see housing affordability as key election issue

READ MORE: Seguin mayoral candidates split on amalgamation, housing at community centre forum

Students noted that with a bid for the 2035 Canada Winter Games now abandoned, potential investment in recreational facilities is gone. They asked candidates how they intend to maintain and improve public recreation. Candidate Nazim Awan said he understood the disappointment but did not think hosting a major sporting event should be the only opportunity to secure funding. He said his experience working with the federal government could help the city take advantage of federal investments. Candidate Simon Whitehouse said the city should be realistic about what taxpayers can afford and should focus on improving existing programs and facilities before committing to expensive new projects. "I think we need to do a lot more to support outdoor recreation," he also said.

Candidate Fraser Fuite said he believes buildings can be built for lower sums by taking inspiration from the "old days." He also said when it comes to recreation, there are "particularly efficient and cheap ways to get fun." "We should get penguins," he said. "The tourists would pay $25 a pop if we had penguins, like a penguin café." The gong rang to announce his time was up, preventing him from explaining that idea further. The forum allowed candidates to submit written responses ahead of time, with student moderators ensuring the event stayed on schedule.

With files from CBC News