The temporary ‘Yk Pop-Up Park’ that had been in place on city-owned property to help revitalize the downtown core is now a thing of the past.
Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo
City workers were seen taking away parts of the park that had been installed across two city-owned lots since 2018 as part of an effort by the municipality and Ecology North to make use of the vacant street.
An official launch and barbecue for the park between the Raven Nightclub and the Gold Range Bistro was held in August 2018.
Ecology North was unable for comment when NNSL Media reached out to the organization on Wednesday.
NNSL Media understands that the environmental organization has been attempting to manage the site and expand on the elements on the lots, however there have been liability and legal issues that have prevented further growth.
NNSL file photo
Alison Harrower, spokesperson with the City of Yellowknife stated on Wednesday that retaining the park was a continued problem.
“The pop-up park was a temporary use of city-owned land, proposed by and executed with Ecology North,” she stated.
“The City applauds the intentions (of the park) but the ability to provide ongoing upkeep became a challenge. “At this time, the City does not have the staff or financial resources available to supplement the work that has been done by Ecology North to maintain the site. The City is currently reviewing other potential uses for the land.”
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Long history
The City of Yellowknife has been working for close to a decade to revitalize the historical commercial strip of 50 Street since it purchased the former the Corner Mart and Instaloans buildings and an accompanying parking lot in 2012 for for $975,000.
Those three properties remain for sale on the City of Yellowknife website for $825,000.
The city also bought the 50/50 lot in 2014 for for $1.45 million and that remains for sale on the city website for the same price.
Also on the same street, the Gold Range Hotel went up for sale earlier this year and remains on the Coldwell Banker Commercial Property for sale for $1,750,000.