The concept of "Complete Streets" is about creating safe, welcoming spaces for people to move: whether they are walking or rolling.  Ideally, people riding bike, scooters, or walking are separated from vehicular traffic.  Because we live in Yellowknife, NT which has snow for 6 months of the year, snow maintenance also needs to be a big part of how we consider the safety of our streets.

Please ask yourself: "Who is being left behind by the design of our streets?" - and then imagine ways that we can design our streets with the youngest, oldest, and most vulnerable in mind first.

Then, we encourage you to start visioning other ways that we can design our cities to be healthy and inclusive.

Each year, the City of Yellowknife invites residents and community groups to submit budget requests, with the deadline typically falling in mid-August. The requests for the upcoming 2026 budget have now closed, and presentations for these proposals will take place during the City Council Meeting on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend and watch the presentations.

This year, several impactful budget requests were submitted by Adam and Becca Denley (SHIFT NWT/Communities in Motion). They ask for City Council to support safer, more sustainable, and community-driven projects. From pedestrian safety enhancements to new trail extensions, these proposals aim to make Yellowknife a more vibrant, accessible, and connected city. Below are the key initiatives they submitted for the 2026 budget

1. Pedestrian Activated Lights/Crosswalk at Hall Crescent/Kam Lake Road
   A proposal to install pedestrian-activated lights and a crosswalk to connect Hall Crescent neighbourhood with Bourque/Range Lake Road.
2. Pedestrian Activated Lights/Crosswalk at Bella Dance/Old Airport Road
   This request seeks pedestrian-activated lights and a crosswalk at to enhance visibility and safety for people walking or biking across Old Airport Road.
3. Raised Crosswalk at 6164 Finlayson Drive North/City Bus Stop
   A raised crosswalk near the bus stop will improve safety for pedestrians, ensuring better visibility and reducing vehicle speeds in the area.
4. Boardwalk/Ramp Renovation from Hospital to Borden Ave.
   Upgrades to the boardwalk and ramp from the hospital to Borden Avenue, improving accessibility and pedestrian safety for those using this key route.
5. Artwalks – School Streets Pilot Project
   A pilot project to create two vibrant crosswalk murals designed by local artists in collaboration with students to enhance school zone safety and foster community pride.
6. No-Right-on-Red and Signage Enhancement
   Proposes “No Right on Red” restrictions at high-risk intersections, along with clearer signage to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, ensuring safer streets for all.
7. Trail Counter for Multi-Use Paths
   Request to install a year-round trail counter on McMahon Frame Lake Trail to track usage and help guide future trail design, maintenance, and accessibility improvements.
8. Multi-Modal Traffic Counter System
   A system of AI-powered, privacy-safe multi-modal counters across Yellowknife to collect transportation data ( pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles) to help inform the City’s planning and infrastructure decisions.
9. McMahon Frame Lake Trail Extension and Improvements - on behalf of Communities in Motion
   A long-requested extension of the Frame Lake Trail behind the hospital to connect Borden neighbourhood and the North portion of the trail.

There are many other initiatives and concepts that will continue to be shared and discussed with the City of Yellowknife, particularly with the Urban Systems Team that has been hired by the City to create a new Transportation Master Plan. In fact, Adam Denley from SHIFT NWT/Communities in Motion and Thomsen D’hont from the YK Healthy Urban Policy Team recently led the Urban Systems team on a series of comprehensive bike tours. These tours highlighted multi-use trails, bike lanes, and pedestrian areas: showcasing both successes and areas in need of improvements for better accessibility, connectivity, and safety. We look forward to participating in upcoming Urban Systems workshops along with other Yellowknife groups to help shape a more connected, safe, and sustainable multi-modal future for Yellowknife.

August 1-3, 2025, Becca and Adam had the chance to volunteer at one of Yellowknife’s most beloved summer traditions - the Old Town Ramble and Ride. As always, it was a fantastic mix of live music, local vendors, food trucks, and friendly faces. For many residents, this event is more than just a festival - it’s a chance to reconnect with neighbours, support small businesses, and enjoy the unique vibe of Old Town.

The Bike Parade has become the unofficial kickoff to the weekend. It’s a critical mass-style ride where kids decorate their bikes with everything from streamers to cardboard creatures, and their families join in for a fun group ride through the neighborhood. It’s always a big hit and a great way to bring people together right from the start.

Becca spent some time face painting as a fundraiser for SHIFT NWT, which was a lot of fun - and a little messy! It was heartwarming to see so many kids stop by and walk away with some colourful designs on their cheeks.

Ramble and Ride is also a great opportunity to connect with people about creating a healthy, livable city. We shared our Mobility Survey, which aims to better understand how Yellowknifers get around and how we can improve transportation options for everyone. It was incredible to have these conversations in such a community-centered setting.

If you missed it this year, you can learn more about the event below - and be sure to keep it on your radar for next summer!

On July 9, 2025, Kyla Wright and Rob Warburton presented a Lunch & Learn session to share insights from their participation in a workshop hosted by 8 80 Cities in Helsinki, Finland. During this workshop, they, along with the other Yellowknife representatives, explored Helsinki’s innovative urban design, housing, and active transportation strategies: all aimed at building healthier, more inclusive communities.

This Lunch & Learn session offers a closer look at how Helsinki has applied these strategies in practice, and how Yellowknife might adopt similar approaches to improve our own community. It’s a great jumping-off point for anyone interested in learning more about the Healthy Cities Initiative for Yellowknife and getting involved.

The team will be organizing upcoming events and collaborative initiatives where you can join the conversation, brainstorm ideas, and work together to create positive change in Yellowknife.

Be sure to watch the full session and get inspired!

As founders of Shift NWT, Adam and I were thrilled to attend Velo‑city in Gdańsk—especially with our kids along as classroom companions. We’re committed to creating safer, more vibrant, people-first streets in Yellowknife, and this mission is something we dedicate ourselves to in our free time.

Combining our family vacation with the chance to attend Velo‑city felt easy and natural. It gave us the opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired—together.

The conference opened with an energizing keynote by Gil Penalosa of 8 80 Cities, who reminded us how inclusive urban design—especially initiatives like Open Streets and School Streets—can transform communities. His message aligned perfectly with our interest in creating practical, people-centered solutions that prioritize wellbeing and connection.

To make the most of the conference, Adam and I took a divide-and-conquer approach, attending a wide range of sessions and workshops. Meanwhile, our kids joined the experience—exploring the expo, sitting in on presentations, and even participating in a youth-focused design workshop. It was a proud moment to see them meaningfully engaged in discussions about the future of our communities.

From the 2,500-person bike parade to conversations with urban changemakers from around the world, we return home recharged and full of new tools, ideas, and energy to move our work forward in Yellowknife.

Team Yellowknife is back after a week-long immersive experience in Helsinki, where they joined teams from Burlington, Hamilton, and Kingston as part of the 8 80 Cities and CIHR "Healthy Urban Policy Workshop".

Over the course of the week, participants were shown how Helsinki has become a global leader in people-centered urban design. Through workshops, walking/biking tours, and discussions with local experts, the group was immersed in a city that prioritizes health, accessibility, and inclusion in every aspect of its planning.

From safe cycling networks and public transit to housing and placemaking, the team witnessed how thoughtful design choices contribute to a vibrant, livable city. It was common to see children as young as seven confidently navigating city streets on their own—evidence of the trust, safety, and support built into the city’s infrastructure and culture.

Thanks to the many Finnish hosts and 8 80 Cities and Canadian Institutes for Health Research who shared their time, knowledge, and perspectives so generously. Team Yellowknife is now reflecting on the experience and beginning to explore how some of Helsinki’s innovative approaches might be adapted for the northern context.

Stay tuned—more insights and reflections to come as this exciting work continues.

With snow drifts still melting and enough ice on the lakes to drive a ski-doo, Yellowknifers of all ages attended a Critical Mass Bike Ride in Celebration of Earth Week.

Everyone had a BLAST taking to the streets, riding the speed of the youngest group member. After the ride there were discussions about what's been happening over the past year with regards to promoting safer streets for everyone. There was also plenty of brainstorming on ways that more people can get involved in advocacy. 

It was suggested that Critical Mass bike rides occur on the LAST Friday of every month at 5pm, meeting at Sombe K'e Park. Routes will be decided dependent on the number of people who arrive. So be sure to mark your calendars!

Thank-you to everyone who joined, and an extra special honour goes out to our ride-along photographer/videographer extraordinaire Mario Roger of Epic Studios who captured the event. Stay tuned for more footage soon! 

with: Ecology North Yellowknife and Yellowknife Mountain Bike Club

Yellowknife Team to Participate in International Workshop on Active Mobility and Inclusive Design

An interdisciplinary team from Yellowknife has been selected to join three other Canadian teams in an international workshop hosted by 8 80 Cities and the Canadian Institute for Health Research. The submission entitled "Guiding the City of Yellowknife towards the development of a healthy community plan that supports active mobility and inclusive design standards through all four seasons," was chosen as part of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Healthy Cities Research Initiative – Planning Grants for Implementing Healthy Urban Policy.

The workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from Finnish experts about Helsinki’s human-centered approach to urban design, which prioritizes accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability. Helsinki’s model focuses on creating spaces and transportation options that are adaptable to all residents, regardless of age, ability, or seasonal challenges, providing valuable lessons for Yellowknife’s future planning. Following the workshop, the team looks forward to sharing what they’ve learned with the Yellowknife community. They will explore ways to engage local residents and community stakeholders in conversations about inclusive, sustainable, and adaptable solutions to improve mobility and make the city more connected and accessible throughout the year.

The Team from Yellowknife attending the workshop include:

• Susan Chatwood, Institute for Circumpolar Health Research
• Rob Warburton, City Councilor and CEO of Outpost
• Kyla Wright, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Graduate Student in MSc Public Health Sciences
• Thomsen D'Hont, Family Physician, Vice-Chair of the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation
• Becca Denley, Architect, Founder of SHIFT NWT bike share, and Senior Facility Planner at Housing NWT

These individuals are participating in the workshop on a voluntary basis, dedicating their time and expertise outside of their official professional roles to contribute to this important initiative.

Dwayne Wohlgemuth wrote a fantastic article about SHIFT's founder and program director Becca Denley in  Up Here Magazine! It explores the challenges and joys of active mobility in the North - with a focus on winter biking.

Up Here Magazine has been the leading voice for Canada's North for over 40 years.  The magazine celebrates the people, places, and stories that make the North unique. 

As winter lasts 6 months in Yellowknife, there's time for us to analyze data collected during the summer SHIFT season. We distribute surveys to all of our participants, and also use GPS trackers that double as anti-theft mechanisms. Here's a Heat Map from our 2024 SHIFT season, showing the frequency of places visited around the city. This is information can inform the Active Mobility portion of the City's Master Transportation Plan which will start later in 2025.

Ecology North and experienced cyclists from Communities in Motion, the YK Mountain Bike Club, SHIFT NWT, and Overlander Sports hosted an in-person introduction to Winter Biking at the Legislative Assembly on Saturday, March 1st, 2025.

We discussed details about safety, gear, winterizing your bike, and more from winter biking experts in Yellowknife.

Tons of different types of winterized bikes were on site for people to try out, then finally, we  took over the roads in a critical mass ride down to the Snow Castle!

Thank-you Ecology North, and the NWTRPA Get Active fund and the 100 Knifers grant, and the event partners.

Becca and Adam Denley were interviewed about the SHIFT program by John Simmerman of Active Towns in Fall 2024.

John Simmerman is a health promotion and public health professional with over 30 years of experience. He explores how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.  The Active Towns Channel features John's original video content and reflections, including a selection of podcast episodes and short films profiling the positive and inspiring efforts happening around the world.

Here are examples of projects and programs from 2024:
- Several Meetings and Presentations to City Council and the Mayor of Yellowknife
- GNWT set up Temporary Protected Bike Lanes at Folk on the Rocks
- Critical Mass Bike Rides
- "Bike Bus" programs that allow kids to bike to school in groups led by parents.
- Velo Canada Pedal Poll count
- Successful 1st year of the SHIFT program
- Mobycon Webinar and other Educational Sessions
- Santa Claus Parade Critical Mass Ride

Here are just a few of the programming/activities planned for 2025!
- Baby Expo & Spring Trade Show 2025 Information Booth
- Introduction to Winter Biking - with Ecology North
- Fundraising for 2025 SHIFT program
- Bike Route Planning
- Applications for the Federal Active Transportation Fund
- June Bike Bus program
- ARTWALKS - Colourful Crosswalks at Yellowknife Schools
- Stay Tuned for More Information!

Do you live in Yellowknife and believe that our streets have the potential to create a healthier, more economic, and socially connected community?
Do you want to see people biking on dedicated bikeways which  reduces traffic and increases safety?
Do you have any ideas about how to enhance our community? 
 Are you interested in being involved in Active Transportation efforts in the North? 
Please click the link below, to join our growing list of volunteers.