Yellowknife, NW Territories Smart Growth Development Plan Committee

Type: Policy
Status: Established on 1/28/08
Source File: http://www.yellowknife.ca/en/index.asp
Description:
The Terms of Reference for the Smart Growth Development Plan (the Plan) were adopted by City Council on April 10, 2007. The broad objective of the Plan is to develop a growth management strategy based on smart growth principles to a population of 45,000. The work breakdown structure for the Plan is divided into five major areas, namely: Public Involvement, Land Use and Urban Design, Transportation, Energy and the Environment, and Economic Development.
On January 28, 2008 Council established Yellowknife Smart Growth Development Plan Committee and adopted Terms of Reference. The purpose of the Committee is to serve the City in an advisory capacity regarding the formulation of policies, concepts, and strategies as they relate to the long-term growth and development of the city. The Committee is composed of fifteen (15) representatives from specific interest groups, the public at large, one Council Member and the Mayor.
The scope of the Committee is to assist by providing advice and input to the City on the formulation of the Plan which may include, but is not limited to, the following:
* Review of the Plan’s Terms of Reference, Questionnaire Survey and Focus Group Survey Results, and any relevant background material.
* Collaboration and review of the Metroquest Modeling Software for the City prior to commencing the software consultation/implementation.
* Review and provide feedback on the Request for Proposals Terms of Reference for the Transportation Engineering Consultant, Urban Design Consultant, and Environmental Engineer/Planning Consultant.
* Review and provide feedback on policies, programs, concepts, and strategies relating to development incentives, land assembly, urban design guidelines, public art and heritage, growth management, environmental preservation, brownfield remediation, housing affordability options, alternative energy opportunities, transportation, waterfront development, zoning, development and redevelopment anchors, and public/private partnerships.
* Participate and assist in organizing and promoting public participation components including the Metroquest Modeling Software consultation, Community Design Charrette(s), City-wide Public Forum(s), and media announcements.
* Collectively or individually, without breach of committee confidentiality, solicit input from various sectors of the community or the public at large, and take a leadership role in promoting the objectives of the Plan.
* Make recommendations, reached by the majority consensus of its membership, to the City of Yellowknife Council, Yellowknife Downtown Enhancement Committee, and/or the Yellowknife Heritage Committee. 
It is expected that the Plan will be completed by December 2009.
SMART GROWTH PLAN
Over the past several decades the Planning and Development Department has completed numerous mid to long range planning documents to guide the City of Yellowknife’s urban growth and development. These plans have resulted in the identification of concepts and objectives relating to the environment, economic development, land use control, urban form and design, and quality of life. Though many broad goals and policies have been established, a holistic action-oriented approach and vision is needed for implementation and realization of such objectives. In this context, The Yellowknife Smart Growth Development Plan proposes a strategy for the City’s core area, waterfront, primary commercial districts, and entranceways to the City. The objective of the Plan is to apply an integrated approach to development and redevelopment based on smart growth principles.
In light of the growth and development pressures and growing community interest in planning for Yellowknife, a smart growth strategy is timely. Unlike conventional suburban development, smart growth principles encourage a more sustainable urban form by promoting compact development, integrated land uses, quality of life, economic revitalization, and environmental protection. 
Category:Canada
Category:City Governments
Category:Northwest Territories
Category:Policies
Category:Smart Growth