Doing Business-Economic Development Initiatives

 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.

Downtown Revitalization Vision

Downtown Patio Incentives

Downtown Sidewalk Patios

1. Applicant is issued a Downtown Sidewalk Patio Permit. 
   
2. Applicant completes construction of the Sidewalk Patio.
3. City of Yellowknife Planner conducts a site visit to confirm that the patio has been constructed in accordance with the issued Downtown Sidewalk Patio Permit.   
4. Applicant submits proof of construction costs to the Department of Planning and Development
5. Department of Planning and Development verifies construction costs and authorizes issuance of the grant.

Agriculture Strategy

Wayfinding Strategy

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

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 Development and Strategy (EDS) at 867.920.5600 or ecd@yellowknife.ca 

Business Licence Fee Waiver

The City of Yellowknife is taking action to help local businesses and our economy recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City will waive business licence fees for all local businesses when renewing their business licence from November 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023. 

Read some FAQs here. 

Apply online to waive your business licence fee or in person at the City Hall.

For more information, contact us at ecd@yellowknife.ca or 867.669.3424

2023 Street Pole Banner Public Artwork Program 

The submission period for the 2023 Old Airport Road Street Pole Banner Public Art Program is now closed. The selection panel is currently in the process of reviewing submissions. The City will be in contact with all artists who entered to inform them of the status of their submission shortly. 

The City would like to thank all artists for creating a diverse range of artwork while meeting the goals of adding vibrancy to our cityscape and creating a sense of place and identity.

More information on selected artworks will be announced in September.

Yellowknife Business Grants

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.

At this time, all grant applications are closed as all funding has been awarded.