Debbie Gillard

This Reconciliation Action Plan supports the City of Yellowknife's Reconciliation Framework by detailing concrete actions to build respectful relationships and foster inclusive representation of Indigenous Peoples. Key focus areas include promoting Indigenous languages and culture through community programs and public signage, strengthening partnerships with Indigenous governments like the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and North Slave Métis Alliance, and supporting Indigenous well-being initiatives. The plan also emphasizes ongoing cultural safety training, collaborative economic development, and indigenizing public spaces to advance reconciliation within the community, with actions categorized for 2023, 2021-2022, ongoing, past, and potential future initiatives.

This Phase 1 Community Engagement Report informs the City of Yellowknife's Community Plan Update, which seeks to address evolving challenges and future conditions over the next 25 years. It outlines a vision for 2050 and thematic goals derived from community input, structured around six key themes: Living in YK, Natural YK, Working in YK, Proudly YK, Moving Around YK, and Growing YK. The plan aims for Yellowknife to be a healthy, multicultural, and resilient city that balances thoughtful growth with the preservation of its unique Northern character and natural assets, fostering a vibrant downtown, connected green spaces, affordable housing, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The 'Everyone is Home: Yellowknife's 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness' is a strategic initiative aimed at eradicating homelessness in Yellowknife. Its implementation is guided by the Homelessness Commission, which works through strategic partnerships with Indigenous, municipal, and territorial leaders. The plan focuses on providing high-level direction, approving annual plans, and leading strategic priorities including the continued delivery of existing programs and the establishment of new initiatives and prevention strategies to ultimately end homelessness in the community.

The Capital Area Development Plan provides a comprehensive framework and guidelines for enhancing public spaces, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and managing future growth within the Capital Area. It aims to position Yellowknife as a diverse and vibrant capital city that reflects the Northwest Territories' identity. The plan is guided by four primary goals: strengthening cultural identity, promoting harmony with nature, fostering Smart Growth principles for sensitive development, and ensuring effective governance. Key guiding principles include environmental preservation, sustainable commercial development, support for active lifestyles, promotion of local arts and culture, intergovernmental cooperation, and Indigenous strategic engagement.

The 2011 General Plan for the City of Yellowknife outlines a 10-year vision for growth and development, integrating the principles of a Smart Growth Development Plan and Community Based Strategic Plan. It aims to guide land use decisions, designate areas for conservation, and manage public infrastructure provision. Key focus areas include promoting affordability, enhancing the built environment, fostering community engagement, and ensuring continuous improvement. The plan targets compact growth through intensification in strategic areas like Downtown, Old Airport Road, and Old Town, while also addressing housing choice, land development, transportation, municipal infrastructure, and regional coordination.