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The City of Yellowknife’s ‘Intensification First’ strategy is a forward-thinking approach to urban development, aimed at creating more housing opportunities, increasing commercial space, and fostering vibrant, active neighborhoods for generations to come.

What is Intensification?

Intensification is a planning strategy that involves increasing residential and commercial developments on land that is currently underutilized. By maximizing the use of existing infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, utilities, and services, intensification will make the city more sustainable and support economic growth. This approach not only helps to meet housing demand but also contributes to creating a more prosperous and vibrant city.

3 Major Benefits of Intensification

In Yellowknife, where only 1% of land is readily available for new development, the Intensification First strategy offers a sustainable solution by expanding housing choices, boosting economic growth, and revitalizing neighborhoods.

  1. Social Benefits: Promoting health through walking and biking, fostering social connections, supporting affordable housing, and improving transit while reducing traffic.
  2. Economic Benefits: Transforming vacant spaces boosts property values, attracts new residents and businesses, and creates jobs.
  3. Environmental Benefits: Preserving ecosystems, lowering emissions, and optimizing urban land use.
Examples of Intensification in Action
  • Converting a Single Detached House into a Duplex or Triplex: A single-family home in the downtown area can be renovated into a duplex or triplex, to achieve gentle density on the same lot.
  • Developing Multi-Unit Residential on a Vacant Lot: Vacant land zoned for single-detached housing can be transformed into a 4-plex, 6-plex, or small apartment building, adding much-needed housing.
  • Mixed-Use Developments: Low-rise commercial buildings can be redeveloped to include residential units on the upper floors, creating more housing and fostering a vibrant, walkable community.
  • Laneway Housing or Secondary Suites: Residential neighborhoods can accommodate secondary suites or laneway housing without significantly altering the character of the neighborhood.
  • Repurposing Underutilized Buildings: Vacant office buildings or warehouses can be converted into residential units or mixed-use developments.
City Initiatives Supporting Intensification

To make the Intensification First strategy a reality, the City of Yellowknife is implementing several initiatives, including:

  • New “Residential Intensification” Zones (RI, RI-1): These zones are designed to encourage and facilitate residential development.
  • Development Incentive Grants: Financial incentives for affordable housing projects, mixed-use developments, and home improvements.
  • Comprehensive Intensification Policy: Part of the ongoing update to the Community Plan, this policy provides a framework to expand housing options, commercial space, and vibrant neighborhoods.

For more information or inquiries, visit 'Intensification First' website or contact us at intensification-first@yellowknife.ca.