A territorial judge took time to drive home an anti-impairment message before sentencing a Yellowknife man who blew over the legal limit during a roadside stop. "What school did you go to?" Judge Garth Malakoe asked the defendant in NWT territorial court recently.
The 29-year-old man, who isn't being identified by Yellowknifer because he's a first-time offender, named a city school to the judge.
Malakoe said he's aware just how much the school system emphasizes the risks of drunk driving.
"It's trite to say you knew better. You did," Malakoe told the man, adding the consequences will have far-reaching effects to his professional and personal life.
Fortunately, he said, the effects didn't include someone being hurt or killed.
The defendant was charged in May 2017 after he was pulled over by police, who noted his intoxication. The man pleaded guilty to one count of operation while impaired.
He's barred from driving for two years and must pay a $2,500 fine.
– Brendan Burke
Vacancy rate down
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) released its annual Northern Housing Report for 2017 this week.
It shows the overall vacancy rate declined 0.7 percentage points over 2017 to 3.5 per cent. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment was $1,699.
Residential housing sales declined marginally from 2016 to 2017, about one per cent.
New construction in Yellowknife was weak overall in 2017, trailing a strong 2016, with 49 per cent fewer units started.
– James O'Connor
Feds consult on Indian Act status registration
Starting in September, the federal government will consult on issues related to registration, band membership and First Nation citizenship under the Indian Act.
The government has put out a call for proposals for community sessions and is offering between $10,000 and $75,000 in funding for events led by grassroots organizations.
The Native Women's Association of Canada is concerned the government will not fully resolve issues of discrimination in the Indian Act.
Funding applications are being accepted until Aug. 17.
– Sidney Cohen
Butt out on city property, says mayor
The City of Yellowknife is reminding people that smoking and vaping on all city-managed recreational properties is banned.
With the exception of trails, designated smoking areas and traditional ceremonies involving tobacco, all public parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities are smoke free, stated a news release this week.
"We want our city facilities to be clean and safe for all of our residents," stated Mayor Mark Heyck. "This ban will keep the air clean around our buildings and hopefully create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all."
Signage indicating where residents can smoke has been installed at all city parks and facilities, stated the release.
There is one designated smoking area between the Multiplex and the Fieldhouse. In addition there is one designated smoking area each at the Yellowknife Curling Club, Yellowknife Community Arena and the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool.
There is also one smoking area for city hall and Somba K'e Park. The Solid Waste Facility has two smoking areas.
Since 2004, smoking has been banned in the territory's indoor public spaces and workplaces.
The city banned smoking from inside public buildings, office buildings, restaurants and bars in 2003.
The changes to the smoking by-law became effective May 1.
Prior to that, during council debate on the matter, it wasn't made clear how the ban would be enforced or what the penalties would be for violating it.
City officials suggested a phase-in period with public education was called for.
– James O'Connor
New election signs restrictions in place
In an effort to protect the city's landscaping and irrigation infrastructure, the city has adjusted its bylaw regulating the placing of election signs on city property.
The bylaw helps ensure accountability for candidates to remove signage, sandbag and rock debris following elections and will prevent damage to city infrastructure from sign posts.
The restrictions state that signs cannot interfere with the safe operation of traffic, pedestrian safety or city maintenance, stated a news release.
Candidates may put election signs elsewhere with the permission of property owners.
– Avery Zingel