Mayor Rebecca Alty and the City Council have announced the selection of Stephen Van Dine as the next City Manager for the City of Yellowknife. Mr. Van Dine is set to begin his tenure on August 6, 2024.
“With over 30 years of extensive experience in the North and in the public sector, Mr. Van Dine brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and strategic vision,” said Mayor Rebecca Alty. “With his commitment to reconciliation, collaboration, and transformation, we look forward to working with him.”
Mr. Van Dine started his career with the Government of the Northwest Territories before moving to the federal government. There, he held several executive positions, such as Assistant Deputy Minister at Crown-Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. He concluded his federal service as the Vice President of Strategic Policy and Investments at Parks Canada.
Mr. Van Dine has held various Arctic roles, such as serving as Canada’s alternate senior Arctic official at the Arctic Council. He has negotiated two joint statements on the Arctic between Canada and the United States. His leadership has been pivotal in spearheading significant federal Arctic initiatives, which include:
- Co-management legislation in Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut;
- Launch and refinements of Nutrition North Canada;
- Construction commencement of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station;
- Establishment of Polar Knowledge Canada;
- Transfer of land and resource management responsibilities from Canada to the Government of the Northwest Territories;
- Opening and leading the Northern Project Management Office; and
- Initiating the creation of Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.
Stephen holds degrees in urban and regional planning from Toronto Metropolitan University. He also earned a Master’s degree in public administration from Queen’s University and an executive certificate from the Kennedy School of Government. His active involvement includes serving on the Senate of Toronto Metropolitan University and as a board member for Purpose Forward, a registered non-profit organization.
The City Manager holds the highest position within the administrative hierarchy of Yellowknife, bearing responsibility to the Mayor and City Council for the implementation of policies and programs by the city’s staff.
