History

Learn about the history of Tin Can Hill.

Tin Can Hill Throughout History...

Tin Can Hill and Yellowknife have a very long and vibrant history. Click on the link below to read the full history.

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  • 10 000 Years Ago
    Human history on this continent began at least 10,000 years ago, with Indigenous cultures migrating to North America. Archaeological evidence and oral stories reveal the rich heritage of the Dene people in the Yellowknife region.
  • Prospectors and the Discovery of Gold
    Klondike-bound prospectors and Johnny Baker's gold discovery sparked a staking rush around Yellowknife Bay. Tin Can Hill played a pivotal role in the early exploration and staking of claims- it hosted exploration camps, transportation corridors, and there were docks along its shores. It was also a favourite playground for kids from the mining camp and the Yellowknife townsite. The first road linking the new town of Yellowknife and Con Mine traversed Tin Can Hill. It played a crucial role in transportation during the early years of settlement.
  • Conservation and Cleanup Efforts
    Early conservation efforts tried to reverse some of the damage caused by legacy exploration and development, such as the Ecology North cleanup in 1971. For example, Ecology North's 1971 "Ajax" project was a large scale cleanup of old garbage dumps from the mining era. Efforts like this set the stage for a new perception of the Hill as an area deserving of environmental stewardship.
  • City Residential and Mine Exploration Proposals
    City Residential and Mine Exploration Proposals Between 1985 and 1989, the City proposed residential development on Tin Can Hill. Citizen opposition convinced the City to drop its development plans and the Hill remained an undeveloped green space.
  • Tin Can Hill 21st Century
    There was little development on the Hill. The CBC Radio tower was constructed during this period.
  • Residential Development
    The disconnect between residents desires to protect the Hill and the City of Yellowknife's development agendas continued. In 2004, City Council's vote in favour of residential development on Tin Can Hill sparked ongoing debates.
  • Development Discussions Continue
    In 2008-2009, discussions on Tin Can Hill development resumed, with concerns about urban sprawl and cost of living motivating supporters of development. City Councillor Mark Heyck led preservation efforts and City Council decided to remove references to residential development from the General Plan. Meanwhile, residential projects on the hill's periphery were approved.
  • Water Treatment Plant Construction
    Federal requirements for a new water treatment plant in Yellowknife led to the first significant development on Tin Can Hill. The construction, carved into a small portion of the Hill and upgraded road access, raising concerns about visual impact and potential future development.
  • Rezoning Success and Designations
    In January 2012, Tin Can Hill was successfully rezoned from "Growth Management" to "Parks and Recreation" by a pro-preservation City Council. It was also designated as an "off-leash dog park," and received some park-like amenities, including trash cans and a boardwalk.
  • Aurora College Proposal
    In 2022, a proposal for a polytechnical university campus and residence reignited the development controversy. The Government of the Northwest Territories chose Tin Can Hill as the location for this project. Yellowknife City Council signed an MOU with the territorial government that signalled its willingness to consider future transfer of the land for the university campus.
  • The Formation of the Tin Can Hill Conservation Committee
    The Tin Can Hill Conservation Committee was formed in response to the proposed choice of location for the campus. The TCHCC successfully made the future of the Hill an issue in the 2023 territorial election, with most Yellowknife candidates opposing development of a University campus on the Hill. The TCHCC continues its efforts to raise awareness of the Hill's key services to Yellowknife, and works to obtain permanent protection of the Hill, through more stringent city zoning, and, eventually, as a Territorial Park.
  • University MOU cancelled; the quest for permanent protection continues
    The City voted to terminate its MOU with the GNWT and Aurora College regarding a university campus. The Hill is once more reprieved from development. The TCHCC continues its efforts to raise awareness of the Hill's key services to Yellowknifers, and works to obtain permanent protection of the Hill, through more stringent city zoning, and, eventually, under legislation as a Territorial Park.

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