Back to Search

The City of Yellowknife, ATCO, and NAKA Power Utilities (NWT) are proud to share that they have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a long-term partnership that will set the stage for the naming of the ATCO Aquatic Centre and the NAKA Community District. This MOU helps strengthen and sustain Yellowknife’s recreational spaces where residents of all ages come together to learn, grow, and connect.

The NAKA Community District envisions treating key recreational facilities, including the ATCO Aquatic Centre, the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool, the Community Arena, the Curling Club, and outdoor tennis courts as a recreational precinct. Together, these facilities would serve as the city’s recreational hub, supporting active living, community connections, and wellness.

Mayor Ben Hendriksen said: “Recreation has always been at the heart of life in Yellowknife. These are the spaces where we celebrate milestones, build friendships, and nurture the next generation. By exploring this opportunity with ATCO and Naka Power Utilities (NWT), we’re looking ahead to the future, ensuring these facilities remain vibrant, inclusive, and able to meet the needs of a growing city. It’s an investment in community well-being and the shared experiences that make Yellowknife home.”

The City, ATCO, and Naka Power Utilities (NWT) share values of stewardship, inclusion, and community investment. This potential sponsorship would highlight how municipalities and the private sector can work together to support public spaces that contribute to wellness, inclusion, and social connection.

“Naka Power Utilities (NWT) is honoured to deepen our longstanding partnership with the City of Yellowknife through the naming of the NAKA Community District,” says Cathy MacDonald, CEO, Naka Power Utilities (NWT). “As a proud Dene-owned company with over 70 years of service in the Northwest Territories — and more than three decades powering Yellowknife — we are committed to reinvesting in the communities we serve. We’re proud to support a space that brings people together and reflects the spirit of connection and community that defines our North.”

“Across all our operating areas, ATCO’s commitment to community is as essential as the energy, housing and defence businesses we operate. Strong communities are built through meaningful partnerships, shared values and a deep respect for the people we serve,” said Nancy Southern, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, ATCO. “On behalf of the people at ATCO, I am so thrilled to be supporting the Yellowknife community through this partnership. The signs that say ‘NAKA Community District’ and ‘ATCO Aquatic Centre’ are symbols of our enduring commitment to the North.”

This MOU marks the beginning of an exciting next chapter in the City’s collaboration with ATCO and NAKA Power Utilities (NWT). As the partnership becomes finalized, this relationship will help open new opportunities to sustain, enhance, and grow Yellowknife’s recreational spaces and ensuring residents of all ages can continue to enjoy, explore, and connect in these important community hubs for years to come.