St. Joseph School will see the addition of three new modular classrooms and one washroom module for the 2018-19 school year at a cost of $1.5 million, it was announced yesterday.
A space assessment of all Yellowknife schools projected that by 2027, Yellowknife will see an increase of 200 students and recommended increasing school capacity across the city over the next five years, stated a GNWT news release.
The modular units will increase the capacity of the board's population by 66 students. St. Joseph School is currently at 98 per cent utilization
"Increasing enrolments across the city have necessitated a plan to increase structural capacity over the next five years, and the modular classrooms are the first step in addressing these needs," stated Education Minister Caroline Cochrane.
– James O'Connor
Change of Command at JTFN Thursday
Brig.-Gen. Patrick Carpentier will be assuming Command of Joint Task Force North from Brig.-Gen. Mike Nixon Thursday.
Media have been invited to a photo opportunity of the ceremony at the Greenstone Building starting at 11 a.m. The ceremony is to include a salute at the back entrance of the building on the arrival and departure of the commanders, as well as a signing ceremony on the main floor. Look to old.nnsl.com for updates tomorrow and a story in Friday's print edition of the Yellowknifer.
– James O'Connor
Help fuel the Toiletry Drive
The YWCA's Toiletry Drive, which runs until the end of May, will help families who stay at family violence shelters and transitional housing apartments across the territory.
The organization in a news release asked for community support by donating new toiletries, such as: soap, shampoo and conditioner, baby products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, combs/brushes, menstrual pads and tampons, men's razors, shaving cream and deodorant.
The YWCA states people can place collection boxes in workplaces or classrooms, or drop off at any of these locations at the Fieldhouse, Sutherland's Drugs, Weaver & Devore or the YWCA administration building at 4904-54 Ave.
– James O'Connor
Savour job opportunities at Employment Cafe
The Conseil de Developpement Economique des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (CDETNO) is holding an Employment Cafe next month.
CDETNO is a non-profit organization that promotes, stimulates and supports economic development and employability of Francophones and Francophiles of Northwest Territories, stated information on its website.
Since it started in 2002, this bilingual resource centre, funded through the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, has helped more than 10,000 job seekers. CDETNO became its administrator in 2013.
"Employers, keep your eyes open, you might just find the right candidate to fill your job vacancies. Join us at Employment Cafe to network in a professional yet relaxed atmosphere."
The event is on Wednesday, May 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Greenstone Building.
– James O'Connor
SUV blaze in Beck Court
Residents of Beck Court were woken by a vehicle fire in the early hours of Monday morning.
Shortly after 3:00 a.m. one fire and one medical crew responded to a call of a red SUV engulfed in flames and another vehicle producing smoke.
Crews noted that 'ignited gas' was flowing from the SUV putting three additional vehicles at risk. The crews used a combination of water, air and foam to extinguish the flames and avoid any further risks.
Fire crews were at the scene for an hour and a half before they turned it over to the RCMP for further investigation.
– Dylan Short
Books for babies at Stanton
De Beers Canada is "expanding its investment in literacy" with the donation of 700 children's books to the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation, stated a news release this week.
The books will be distributed this year to the families of each newborn baby at the hospital.
Gahcho Kue Mine general manager Allan Rodel said the Books for Babies program was "a natural extension" of De Beers' Books in Homes that began 15 years ago.
"It is all about building a legacy through educating generations," he stated in the release.
Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation chair Sandra Mackenzie said "the foundation is pleased to partner with De Beers Canada to offer this wonderful gift because encouraging families to ensure their children have access to books at an early age can create benefits which last a lifetime."
Families will receive one of two books by renowned Tlicho author Richard Van Camp – Welcome Song for Baby, a lyrical lullaby for newborns or Little You, which includes illustrations by Julie Flett.
– James O'Connor
Win your space has opened up
Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to submit business ideas for a chance to win free leased space in downtown Yellowknife.
Win Your Space YK is a business incubation competition aimed at inspiring Yellowknifers to start or expand their business, while preparing them with business development workshops, providing access to useful network connections and resources, as well as revitalizing the downtown area which currently shows the highest commercial vacancy rate in Yellowknife, stated a news release.
The competition is open to residents of Yellowknife, Dettah or Ndilo over the age of 18.
Win Your Space YK is a partnership between the City of Yellowknife, Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, Business Development Bank of Canada, Northwest Territories Business Development &
Investment Corporation and the GNWT.
See winyourspaceyk.com for more info.
The competition closes June 1.
– James O'Connor
A drop in the bucket list
Seeing the Northern Lights in the NWT has made an international list of amazing vacation ideas.
Flight Network's World's Ultimate Bucket List for 2018 on Travel Weekly's website claims to have produced "the most reliable and precise bucket list for the modern era," and seeing the aurora in
Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Africa and Canada is on the list at third spot. Right after a wildlife safari in Africa and an expedition to Antarctica.
"Dancing across the sky in otherworldly colours, this all-natural light show reminds us that our planet is filled with an abundance of wonder. Because of this, witnessing the Aurora Borealis firsthand is meant for everyone's bucket list," states the website.
"And if you're looking for Northern Lights with a little luxury, Yellowknife, Canada, presents the magical views of water coloured lights with alongside incredible amenities."
Flight Network states more than 800 of the world's leading travel journalists, agencies, bloggers, and editors were sought to gain insight.
– James O'Connor