2026 Municipal Election

Garett Cochrane is a proud born-and-raised 2SLGBTQ+ Metis Yellowknifer who is just finishing up his first term on Council and is now seeking to serve in the office of Mayor.

Mr. Cochrane attended the University of Ottawa where he majored in political science, minored in history and specialized in comparative politics. He currently works as the Community Relations Officer on the Giant Mine Remediation Project, and has previously worked as a Yellowknife Public Librarian, Justice of the Peace and Constituency Assistant for Kam Lake. He also serves as a member of the board of the Inukshuk Housing Co-operative & the NWT Liberal Association.

During his time on City Council, he has had the honour of serving as Deputy Mayor, Chair of the Heritage Committee, Member of the Human Resource & Compensation Committee and is currently the Chair of the Community Advisory Board on Homelessness.

Contact: gccampaignhq@gmail.com

Melissa Syer has called Yellowknife home for the past ten years. She served for 18 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Naval Warfare Officer, serving aboard Canadian warships and specializing in anti-submarine warfare. Her final military posting brought her to Joint Task Force North, where she planned and supported military operations across the North. What was intended to be a three-year posting became a permanent home.

Since leaving the military, Melissa has served as Executive Director of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, worked in the business and nonprofit sectors, and most recently served as the City of Yellowknife's Manager of Economic Opportunities, Investment and Partnerships.

Melissa is running for Mayor because she believes Yellowknife is at an important moment. The City faces significant challenges, including housing, affordability and infrastructure, while also having tremendous opportunities as attention and investment increasingly turn North.

She believes her 18 years of military leadership, combined with her business, community and municipal experience, have prepared her to bring practical, collaborative leadership to Council.

Melissa lives with her husband, six-year-old daughter and northern special. She is an avid reader, runner and lover of dog walks at Tin Can Hill. One of her favourite times of year in Yellowknife is spring, when she can be found skate-skiing on the lake under an endless blue sky.

Contact: @email / (867) 686-8440

Nazim Awan is a long-term resident of Yellowknife, having made the city his home since 2003. He is an economic development professional, with more than 20 years of experience across the North. His career includes economic and business development positions spanning the GNWT and the Government of Canada. Nazim currently serves as a Senior Economic Development Advisor with the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), where he delivers economic development programs supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, SMEs, and communities across the North.

Nazim has also served for more than 17 years as a PIPSC union steward, including in leadership roles with the national labour organization.

Nazim is an avid volunteer and community builder, serving people with passion, respect, and commitment to make a difference. He was part of the team that helped build the new Islamic Centre of Yellowknife, and has led several community initiatives, including winter support distributions, and school supply and food distribution drives. In 2023, he helped distribute more than 4,000 meals to wildfire evacuees from Yellowknife, Fort Smith, and Hay River in Edmonton. Nazim also continues to serve as a member of the RCMP NWT Advisory Committee on community safety and trust-building.

Nazim is an award-winning public servant, having received the Premier of the NWT Public Service Excellence Award in 2009, and more recently the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his volunteer service.

Nazim is seeking election to Yellowknife City Council to bring his economic development expertise and years of cross-community relationship-building to the priorities that matter most to residents: affordability, safety, and a city that works for all.

Contact: @email / (867) 446-1717

Adrian Bell has been a resident of Yellowknife since 1983 and a downtown small business owner since 1996. It was during his first years in business that he became involved in municipal initiatives, beginning with the City of Yellowknife's Downtown Enhancement Committee in 2003.

Professionally, Adrian divides his time between serving his commercial real estate clients, managing a team of Realtors as the owner of Century 21 Prospect Realty, and serving as Executive Director of the NWT Art Centre Initiative, an organization dedicated to developing a non-commercial art gallery and visual arts-focused community centre in Yellowknife.

Adrian married his partner, Allison, in 2014. Together, they enjoy hiking in the woods around Yellowknife with their two “northern specials,” Clieo and Jack.

Contact: @email / (867) 446-9800

Keneisha Buddoo is an educator, entrepreneur and community advocate who has called the North home for almost ten years. She works with youth at the Yellowknife Catholic School Board and has built much of her professional life around instructional coaching, literacy, belonging and helping people see possibilities for themselves.

Outside education, Keneisha (Kenshi) is a local business owner and serves as a consultant for several boards and NGOs. She is also a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve.

Keneisha is especially interested in Yellowknife's economic future, including mining, small business, northern development and the changing role of the North in Canada's future, but most of her work connects closely to housing, homelessness and family stability.

A mother, educator and relationship builder at heart, she believes strong communities are built by bringing residents, businesses, organizations, Indigenous governments and public governments to the same table. She believes cities are not built in silos, but collectively as a unit.

Contact: keneisha@readyyk.ca / (867) 444-3676

Roberta Marie Campbell, an Indigenous woman born and raised in Inuvik, has deep roots in the Yellowknife area. Her family's connection to the region spans generations, and she's called Yellowknife home since moving here in 2003 to pursue nursing school.

After retiring from nursing, Roberta has worked extensively in various healthcare sectors, including mental health, addictions, crisis response, social services, and research. She's also been involved in community boards, school trusteeships, union leadership, and numerous volunteer roles.

Outside of her professional and community work, Roberta is a daughter, mother, grandmother, artist. Through her varied work and community involvement, she's come to appreciate the value of listening, asking questions, and finding practical solutions for Yellowknife.

Contact: @email / (867) 446-3313

Yanik D'Aigle is a prominent northern bilingual professional based in Yellowknife for over 14 years, where he now oversees fiduciary matters to protect individuals and the most vulnerable who are unable to manage their own affairs. He brings over 20 years of financial sector experience & 14
years in IT, telecommunications, sales, and consulting, having worked with Fortune 500 companies and various governments across Canada.

Yanik is also co-owner of Mavinjus Games & Collectibles, a locally owned and operated store. An active community leader, Yanik is currently a Director with the United Way NWT since 2020. He has also been a director for the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, the NWT Disabilities Council, Skills Canada NWT, Director & Past President of the NWT Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Rotary Club of Yellowknife and continues to be involved and support many non profits throughout the city.

With over 20 years of financial leadership and advice experience for personal, business, government & non-profit and 15 years of financial regulatory and operational compliance experience, Yanik is running to use his knowledge to help lead the City of Yellowknife make strategic decisions for the betterment of all, while ensuring fiscal responsibility and improved transparency for residents.

Having raised 4 kids in Yellowknife with his partner of 27 years, Tammy, Yanik wants to ensure Yellowknife remains a great place to live, work and play for families of all sizes.

Contact: @email

Yellowknife is a special place to live, work, play and raise a family.

I'm running for City Council because I believe in our community, and in the people who call it home.

I want to bring my experience, energy and commitment to help make Yellowknife an even better place to live, work and build a future.

Three terms in municipal government. Decades of community leadership. A commitment to Yellowknife.

I want to build on what's working, help to fix what isn't, and be a part of the team that keeps moving our community forward.

Priorities for Our Community

• A Safe and Vibrant Yellowknife
• Housing and Affordability
• Responsible Spending
• Neighbourhoods, Infrastructure & Quality of Life
• A Strong Local Economy & Business-Friendly City

Experience

• Currently serving in the 5th year on the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce board
• 3 terms on Hay River Town Council, 2 terms as Deputy Mayor
• NWT Association of Communities Director
• NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation Director (now ProsperNWT)
• NWT Business Advisory Council
• Bid Committee for the 2018 South Slave Arctic Winter Games
• Build Committee for Hay River Recreation Centre
• Over 20 years on the Hay River Chamber of Commerce
• Hay River Harbour Restoration Committee
• Many years on Hay River Trade and Tourism Board and Recreation Committee
• Minor hockey director, Swim Club volunteer, Playschool Auction organizer, Volleyball & Basketball coach, Women's Hockey Executive, Lobsterfest Committee (fundraiser for sport in the community), Hay River Jet Boat Race, Snowmobile Race and Stock Car Race Committees, and more.......

Contact: @email

Cody Drygeese is a Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) member, born and raised in Yellowknife.

There has never been a Yellowknives Dene member on Yellowknife City Council. Cody is looking to change that.

He has a background of over 13 years in the environmental sciences field within the resource industry, and he has experience in engagement and facilitation.

He supported YKDFN in their work on the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor by engaging with the communities of Dettah and N'dilo and making sure community members' voices were heard and involved with this potential major project.

He wants to bring that experience to the city that he loves. He has a passion for the environment, Indigenous issues and concerns, renters rights, and to provide more support for our houseless population.

Yellowknives Dene have always been a part of Yellowknife's past.

Let's work together and have Yellowknives Dene be a part of Yellowknife's future.

Contact: cody.drygeese@gmail.com

Ryan Fequet has called Yellowknife home since 2007 and has built his career and community involvement around strengthening northern organizations, governance, and communities.

Professionally, Ryan is the Executive Director of the Wek’èezhìi Land and Water Board, where he has worked for nearly two decades within the Northwest Territories' integrated resource co-management system. His work brings together Indigenous governments, public governments, communities, industry, and other partners on complex issues related to the environment, consultation, and accountability.

Ryan was elected to Yellowknife City Council in 2022. As a Councillor, he has focused on thoughtful and practical decision-making, responsible governance, and finding common ground on complex community issues. He is most proud of achieving four out of five of his goals during his term: getting the City's Land Acknowledgement updated, securing funding and access from the GNWT to complete the Frame Lake Trail, establishing a Human Resource and Compensation Committee, and establishing the position of Deputy City Manager. He has served on the City's Audit Committee and Board of Revision and brings experience working directly with senior officials from territorial, federal, and Indigenous governments, as well as community organizations, businesses, and residents.

Outside of his professional and elected roles, Ryan has a long history of community involvement. He has served in leadership and governance roles with numerous local, territorial, and national organizations, such as Canada Soccer, the NWT Soccer Association, Sport North, Folk on the Rocks, and the Yellowknife Day Care Association. Ryan has supported more than 60 NWT-based not-for-profit organizations in training and capacity-building in areas such as: strategic planning, financial literacy, risk management, and conflict resolution. His decade of volunteer contributions of more than 10,000 hours were recognized in 2018 with the receipt of the Northwest Territories Individual Volunteer of the Year Award.

Ryan holds a Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, is a certified Project Management Professional, and has completed additional training and certifications and has extensive experience in the areas of: governance, strategy, risk management, financial oversight, human resources, conflict resolution, and organizational leadership.

At Council, Ryan has demonstrated that he brings an approach grounded in curiosity, collaboration, accountability, and a willingness to engage with different perspectives to find practical solutions for Yellowknife.

I moved to Yellowknife in 2010 shortly after graduating from the University of Exeter in my native England with a degree in political science. Since then, I have worked in a range of research and communication-focused jobs in the private sector, non-profit organizations like Ecology North and
the NWT Literacy Council, and a brief stint with the GNWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Yellowknifers of a certain vintage will know me best as the co-owner and chef at the Fat Fox Café which once occupied the empty lot next to the Gold Range Hotel.

Since 2021 I've been working as a business development specialist with a local architecture and engineering consultancy where I've had the chance to cultivate my interest in urbanism and building science and to build relationships with planners, community leaders, fellow policy enthusiasts, engineers, and construction professionals of all stripes. I'm a keen musician and an outspoken advocate for several initiatives that aim to strengthen civil society and promote deliberative democracy. Foremost among these is my advocacy for a system of proportional representation in Canada's federal elections which I pursue with the support of Fair Vote Canada on whose national board of directors I am proud to serve. I live in the heart of downtown with my partner of 15 years and our two children who attend École Įtt'ò.

If elected, my priorities would be:

1. Actively pursuing funding from the federal government and other sources to support the development of a dedicated performing arts facility and related programming as well as supporting the NWT Arts Centre initiative.
2. Advancing the development of bike lanes and other active transportation infrastructure across the city, building on the recommendations in the city's latest transportation plan. 
3. Working with administration to update city procurement policy to further prioritize local economic impact of city spending and incentivize companies seeking to do business in Yellowknife to establish and maintain a permanent physical presence in the city.
4. Working with my fellow councilors and administration to overhaul the city's development approvals and appeals processes to increase efficiency and transparency, reduce the impact of NIMBYism, and improve overall confidence in our regulatory framework to encourage professional and citizen developers alike to invest in our city.
5. Look for opportunities to add street level retail space in the downtown core as well as multiuse public spaces such as the parklet outside Barren Ground Coffee. Specifically, I'll fight tooth and nail to ensure that any larger developments downtown fully meet their obligations
   to include this type of spаce.
6. Engaging in outreach and education activities with schools and community groups to encourage participation in democracy at the city level and provide opportunities to learn about our democratic processes and institutions.

Aside from these priorities, you can expect me to be a dedicated public servant who is deeply committed to the principles of pluralism, empathy, and democracy and who will always welcome thoughtful feedback from residents.

Contact: @email / (867) 445-9436

Rob Foote is a current Yellowknife City Councillor and healthcare supply chain professional with extensive experience in operations, strategic planning, and public service. Beyond his professional career, Rob has volunteered with a variety of community initiatives, including homelessness and youth programs. 

He is committed to responsible governance, sound financial management, strategic infrastructure investment, and helping ensure Yellowknife remains a strong, sustainable, and welcoming community.

Contact: rob@rob4council.com / (867) 447-0266

Fraser Fuite is a teacher. He lives uptown with his wife. He is known for riding his electric unicycle, every day and everywhere. You may also have seen him selling corn at the farmers' market this summer.

He is an innovator — a man of unusual creativity. This is seen in small ways in all areas of his life — from his mode of transportation to his methods of teaching to his business decisions with the farmers’ market.

He is willing to put his money where his mouth is, when it comes to matters of compassion. He has been a vegetarian since his early years. More recently, he has tried to help get housing for those who need it. Some of these efforts did not work, and he has learned much about people’s real needs. He remains undaunted, and sure that there’s some better way to improve the situation of the least fortunate. Something has to be better than this.

He is enmeshed in the community. In addition to the farmers’ market, he attends events regularly, volunteers with his Rotaract club, and is a parishioner at St. Patrick’s Church. He also has been running a Language Exchange group on Sundays.

He speaks English, French, and basic Chinese.

Contact: fraser.fuite@gmail.com 

Rylund Johnson is the former MLA for Yellowknife North and previously worked as a lawyer at the City of Yellowknife. 

He is passionate about addressing our housing crisis and building a Yellowknife that works for everyone!

Contact: rylundjohnson@gmail.com / (867) 444-1082

With a deep love for Yellowknife, I am dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing our city. My commitment is to transparent leadership and community-focused solutions that benefit all residents.

My campaign is built on pillars designed to ensure Yellowknife thrives for generations to come.

Sustainable development based on collaboration with Indigenous knowledge holders, usage of sustainable energy sources (YES it is possible!), and developing alternative transportation corridors within the city as well as preserving green spaces are aspects I would like to focus on..

• Connecting to Knowledge: Our lovely city is a place of many opportunities, it is a unique place to live which gives many people joy. The opportunities,  which can arise when listening to, connecting with  and respecting  indigenous people , when consulting their wisdom and deeply listen to their concerns can not be counted or listed, but if we don't listen, we won't see the bright future ahead!
• Alternative Transportation: As a city with short distances, Yellowknife is ideal to be a city for pedestrians, cyclists, scooter users and other alternatives to cars. We have the space even on Wilideh Ave to create designated multiuse pathways.
• Alternative Energy: The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, nature's energy is almost limitless, but the city is still depending, as many other communities on diesel generators. Why? I asked myself and took initiative to learn and experience : The Result . Our home here in the heart of the city is running 365 days a year about 80% off-grid. 

Contact: @email / (867) 446-3606

Steve Payne has called Yellowknife home for 30 years and is seeking his fourth term on Yellowknife City Council, bringing 11 years of municipal council experience to the role.

Outside of council, Steve works with the Government of the Northwest Territories as a Career and Education Advisor, helping people explore career opportunities, education and skills development.

Steve has been actively involved in the Yellowknife community, including through Skills Canada and Home Base, supporting initiatives focused on skills, education, youth and community development.

Steve is married and has two adult children. After three decades of living in Yellowknife and 11 years of service on City Council, he continues to be involved in the community and committed to municipal public service.

Contact: @email / (867) 444-0975

Skye Plowman is a local entertainer and the head bartender at The Explorer Hotel. 

As a resident of Yellowknife for 13 years, Skye has been a regular staple on stages throughout the city as a comedian and MC.

When she’s not performing or taking care of guests at the Trapline Lounge, she can be found at home in Old Town with her partner and two dogs.

Contact: @email

Tammy Soanes-White is a long-time resident, arriving in Yellowknife in January 1994 with her husband and four children. Yellowknife has provided her and her family with a wonderful life, filled with rich experiences and lifelong connections. And she wants to give back to the community as a City of Yellowknife Councillor.

The growing costs of living in Yellowknife prompted Tammy to run for council in this year's election to provide financial stewardship for City funds and to ensure that our public dollars are managed responsibly. Tammy is also interested in expanding food security through increased numbers of community gardens. And in furthering conversations about our library.

Tammy believes in the importance of community members' voices in our local government processes and decision-making.

In Tammy's spare time, she enjoys quilting, cutting firewood and spending time with family and friends.

Contact: tammysoaneswhite@gmail.com 

For nearly 15 years, Vibhesh Tripathi has been proud to call Yellowknife home. During that time, he has built strong connections within the community and dedicated his time, energy, and resources to making Yellowknife a safer, stronger, and more welcoming place for everyone.

As a small business owner, Vibhesh understands the important role local businesses play in creating a vibrant and resilient community. He is a strong supporter of small businesses, volunteer organizations, and the people who give their time to make a difference.

Vibhesh believes that meaningful community involvement comes in many forms. Over the years, he has contributed through donations, volunteer work, and advocacy, with a particular focus on individual and community safety. He has supported Women’s and Youth Self-Defence programs, Yellowknife Search and Rescue, the SPCA, and other organizations that work every day to support and protect our community.

Vibhesh has always admired the members of City Council and the responsibility they carry in shaping the future of Yellowknife. He recognizes that effective leadership starts with listening—to residents, families, businesses, youth, and community organizations.

As he looks toward serving the community, Vibhesh is committed to learning from constituents, listening to their concerns, and working toward practical changes that make a real difference.

His goal is simple: to help build a Yellowknife where people feel safe, heard, supported, and truly at home.

Contact: @email / (867) 446-7055

Robert Warburton is a community builder, housing advocate, and Yellowknife City Councillor. He moved to Yellowknife more than 20 years ago and has built his career and family here.

Rob was elected to Yellowknife City Council in 2022. He focuses on practical, action-oriented solutions that support housing, responsible growth, sound fiscal management, and a stronger local economy.

Outside of Council, Rob is the founder of Outpost North, where he actually builds housing and redevelops properties in Yellowknife. His work includes turning underused and existing buildings into housing, creating new market-affordable rental units, and revitalizing downtown properties.

Rob brings that hands-on experience to Council, with a belief that Yellowknife needs a northern approach to northern problems: less unnecessary process, more housing, more investment, and more projects getting built.

He is committed to building a more vibrant, affordable, and resilient Yellowknife.

Contact: rob@outpostnorth.ca

Registered Nurse | Social Worker | Small Business Owner

As a longtime Yellowknife resident, community advocate, and volunteer, I am grateful for all that our city has given me. I believe strongly in giving back and in helping build a community where families, businesses, and neighbourhoods can thrive. Municipal leadership should serve its residents.

I offer transparent, honest and accountable leadership, with a sincere commitment to listening, working collaboratively, and finding practical solutions. I will work to strengthen partnerships among our Municipal, Territorial, Indigenous and Federal governments, recognizing that effective collaboration is essential to addressing the challenges facing Yellowknife.

I believe Yellowknife needs thoughtful, constructive change, and I want to be part of making that change happen. That reinforces a belief I carry with me: “If nothing changes, nothing changes.”

I want to contribute to that change by bringing my experience, perspective, and commitment to the governance of our city. My approach to public service is grounded in a meaningful commitment to the health and best interests of all the people of Yellowknife.

Contact: votewhiteford@gmail.com / (867) 445-5525

Simon Whitehouse has called Yellowknife home since 2011. A journalist and communications professional, he spent nearly a decade reporting for Northern News Services, covering municipal government, Indigenous affairs, education, arts and culture, and community issues across the Northwest Territories.

He currently works as a Marketing and Communications Officer at Aurora College and serves on the board of directors of the Yellowknife Historical Society.

Originally from Ontario, Simon holds a master’s degree in History and Philosophy of Science from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree in History.

Through his professional experience, volunteer work and involvement in community life, Simon has developed a strong interest in municipal affairs, public accountability and Yellowknife’s long-term future.

Contact: @email / (867) 988-2700

Today, I am proud to announce that I am launching my campaign to serve Yellowknifers on City Council.

Yellowknife has been my home for more than half of my life. It is the community where I chose to put down roots, where I met my wife of 17 years, and where we continue to raise our two children. I have built my life here, supported local businesses, paid property taxes, volunteered, coached, served on boards, and worked alongside Yellowknifers who care deeply about this city.

My campaign is simple: Stability now, and sustainability moving forward.

Yellowknife is facing some very real challenges, and I believe our community needs practical, steady, and responsible leadership.

The cost of living continues to put pressure on families, seniors, workers and local businesses. Municipal decisions need to recognize that every tax dollar comes from someone’s household or business and must be spent wisely.

Housing availability is another issue. A strong city needs enough housing for the people who live and work here; from young families and seniors to essential workers and those looking to build their future in Yellowknife. We need to look seriously at what the City can do to support responsible housing development and increase availability.

We also need to address public safety, including the challenges connected with the underhoused and increasing addictions. Compassion and accountability are not opposites. We can care about people who are struggling while also ensuring that residents, businesses, and neighborhoods feel safe. This requires cooperation between the City, territorial and federal governments, service providers, enforcement agencies, and the community.

My experience has taught me that lasting progress comes from showing up, listening, working with others, and being willing to make difficult decisions.

I served as a Yellowknife Catholic School Board Trustee during the COVID-19 pandemic, learning firsthand how important, thoughtful leadership, transparency and collaboration are when Yellowknifers face uncertainty.

I have also had the privilege of serving on the boards of the Great Slave Snowmobile Club, Yellowknife Marine Search and Rescue, and the Great Slave Yacht Club. I have been a foster parent for more than five years, coached minor hockey for more than five years, and have been an active volunteer with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary for eight years and counting.

These experiences have reinforced something I have always believed: community is built by people who are willing to contribute.

I am running because I believe Yellowknife deserves a City Council that is focused on the fundamentals; responsible spending, attainable/affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, strong local businesses and a community where families can build a future.

We don't need to choose between stability today and a better tomorrow.

We need to build both.

Stability now. Sustainability moving forward.

I would be honored to earn your support and your vote as I seek to serve Yellowknife on City Council.

Any person eligible to vote may also vote at the Office of the Returning Officer at Elections NWT, 3rd Floor, YK Centre East, 4915 – 48 Street from October 5 to 13, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays.