Economic Development Strategy |
| The City of Yellowknife is committed to engaging our residents and businesses in growing and developing our community.
We support partnerships and initiatives that contribute to a diverse and vibrant local and regional economy, draw investment to Yellowknife and the NWT, and encourage new business and residents to join our growing and prosperous community. We enjoy working with local creative people and welcome your involvement in helping the City communicate better and enhancing our local economy. The Economic Development Strategy is the result of learning from the past, using the knowledge of today and developing a vision for the future. This vision sees Yellowknife as a city open for business, a diverse business community, a dynamic, growing community and a talented and educated community. City of Yellowknife's Economic Development Strategy 2020-2024
During deliberation of the 2019 Budget, Council approved the capital expenditure of $50,000 for the purpose of retaining professional services to update the City of Yellowknife’s Economic Development Strategy that was completed in 2013. To assist with development of the Strategy, Council established the Mayor's Task Force on Economic Development in May 2019. The Task Force provided feedback and direction throughout development of the Strategy. Interviews from a cross-section of key informants and a survey of local businesses were also conducted, the results of which helped inform the recommendations and priorities contained in the Strategy. The purpose of the Economic Development Strategy 2020-2024 is to strengthen the economic base of the City and contribute to sustainable prosperity for residents and businesses. At its meeting on April 14, 2020 Governance and Priorities Committee discussed a memorandum regarding whether to adopt for information the City of Yellowknife Economic Development Strategy 2020-2024. Committee recommended that Council adopt for information the City of Yellowknife Economic Development Strategy 2020-2024. At its meeting on April 27, 2020 Council adopted for information the City of Yellowknife Economic Development Strategy 2020-2024. At its meeting on March 22, 2021 Council adopted the proposed Implementation Plan for the recommendations arising from the City of Yellowknife Economic Development Strategy 2020–2024. |
Yellowknife Entrepreneurship Week 2024 |
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Agriculture Strategy |
| To find out more information on the City's Agriculture Strategy and other reports go to our Reports and Publications page and select Economic Development. |
Wayfinding Strategy |
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To find out more information on the City's Wayfinding Strategy and other reports go to our Reports and Publications page and select Economic Development. |
Joint Economic Development Strategy - City of Yellowknife and YKDFN |
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In December 2019, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) and the City of Yellowknife signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which solidified the government-to-government relationship between the neighbouring communities. In the past, the two organizations have collaborated on projects with no formal strategy in place. The Joint Economic Development Strategy is intended to guide shared economic development interests and provide a framework for the partnership to move forward. The purpose of the strategy is to support the communities of Yellowknife, Dettah and Ndilo in their efforts to maximize future economic growth and prosperity, to develop this partnership for future collaboration, and to benefit the residents of these communities. This strategy acknowledges the short-term economic challenges of COVID-19, as well as discusses our prosperous shared future. With the help of business and community input, YKDFN and the City have conducted public consultations to explore economic and business opportunities for the communities. On March 22, 2021, Council adopted for information the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and City of Yellowknife Joint Economic Development Strategy and its Technical Report. On April 25, 2022, Council adopted the proposed Implementation Plan for the recommendations arising from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and City of Yellowknife Joint Economic Development Strategy. For more information, contact: Department of Economic Opportunities and Investments at 867.920.5600 or ecd@yellowknife.ca |
Street Pole Banner Public Artwork Program |
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The City of Yellowknife launched a call for public artwork to be displayed as banners along Old Airport Road. The City received 40 submissions from a diverse range of backgrounds and mediums. Thank you to everyone who submitted artwork for this project. The selection panel have identified the ten (10) artworks which will be placed upon the banners. Congratulations to the selected Yellowknife Artists:
The City is currently working with these artists to receive their finalized submissions. Photos and descriptions of the artwork will be available on the City's website in the New Year. |
Modern Gold Mining Workshop |
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The City of Yellowknife, historically built around gold mining, faces an economic transition period. The NWT economy for the past decade has been sustained by diamond production, but several diamond mines approach closure. Renewed interest in gold driven by higher global prices and advances in modern mining technology presents economic opportunities but is tempered by community concern rooted in the legacy of sites such as Giant Mine.
To support informed public discussion, the City of Yellowknife and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) co-hosted two public workshops in November 2025 to explain contemporary gold mining practices, regulatory safeguards, and Indigenous participation in resource development.
The workshops (Yellowknife City Hall, Nov 22, 2025; Chief Drygeese Centre, Dettah, Nov 24, 2025) aimed to increase community understanding, hear concerns, and foster trust-based dialogue about potential future gold mining in the area. Presentations and panels featured regulators, Indigenous leaders, technical experts, and co-management board representatives. Each full-day session combined technical briefings, regulatory overviews, and facilitated questions and answer periods.
The City of Yellowknife has released a report summarizing two public workshops last Feb 26, 2026.
You may also rewatch the November 22 session here.
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Yellowknife Business Grants |
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The City of Yellowknife offers grant programs to local businesses when budgets allow or funding becomes available. In 2023 the City awarded $230,000 in COVID-19 Recovery funding to local businesses, festivals and events to help the economy recover. |