Buffalo, Wesclean, North Shore Towing among 2025 YK business winners

A surprise standing ovation for a longtime city business capped a 2025 awards night that the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce said was its best-attended on record.

Almost 350 people packed into Friday evening’s annual gala to see 10 businesses receive trophies.

But the biggest cheer of the evening came not for any of the awards, nor for the Blue Jays’ victory over the Dodgers, but for the winner of one of the raffle prizes.

Lucky ticketholder Dave Weaver happens to be a member of the family that ran Yellowknife’s Weaver and Devore general store for 89 years before handing it on to new ownership this month – a seismic shift for an iconic business.

In recognition of generations of Weaver family service to the North, an extended standing ovation greeted Weaver as he stepped forward to claim his prize.

Elsewhere on the night, Buffalo Airways was named Large Business of the Year, North Shore Towing took Small Business of the Year and Aurora Veterinary Hospital YK received the Breakout New Business Crown.

Wesclean won the Community Impact award and the people’s choice Customer Service Award of Excellence was won by the night’s venue, the Chateau Nova Hotel.

Below, see who won each award and read short summaries from each award’s presenting sponsor.

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Breakout New Business: Aurora Veterinary Hospital YK

Excerpts from industry minister Caitlin Cleveland’s presentation:

“[Businesses] are the backbone of the North. You are the heartbeat of Yellowknife, and you are the reason why so many of our kids get to do some pretty amazing stuff, whether that is travel, whether that is arts, or whether that is taking advantage of new opportunities.

“I grew up here, and when I think of times where northerners went through some of their most difficult times – my husband’s family was hit by a drunk driver in 1991 and who showed up right away? It was the business community … When people go through some of their toughest times and start to fall through the cracks of this community, it is the business community that shows up first.

“It is with great pride that I present the Breakout New Business award to a business who had outstanding references about their customer service and response time – a business that fills a much-needed role in our community. They take care of some of our closest friends and furriest family members. This year’s Breakout New Business is Aurora Veterinary Hospital YK.”

Workplace Health & Safety: Midnight Petroleum NWT

Excerpts from WSCC president and chief executive officer Rick Hunt’s presentation:

“Safety isn’t simply about checking boxes or compliance. It’s about people and making sure that every worker goes home safe at the end of every day … and the winner of the Health and Safety award is Midnight Petroleum.”

Community Impact: Wesclean Yellowknife

Excerpts from NWT Power Corporation director of customer service Erin Ladouceur’s presentation:

“NTPC is honoured to present the Community Impact award to an organization that challenged itself to complete initiatives that were more than monetary donations.

“They volunteered their effort, skills and time throughout our community, doing whatever they could for as many as possible. Their goal was 50 good deeds for their 50th year. Please join me in congratulating our Community Impact award winner, Wesclean.”

Skilled Trades: J&R Mechanical

Excerpts from Diavik Diamond Mines general manager of surface operations Gord Stephenson’s presentation:

“This year’s winner has been a true leader in the skilled trades for almost 50 years. That’s a long time investing in people, mentoring the next generation of workers through programs like Snap to give students hands-on experience while also supporting employees to achieve their full potential.

“They champion inclusivity, equity, sustainability and inspire the next generation while strengthening their community. The winner is J&R Mechanical.”

Outstanding Indigenous Business: Aurora Technical Services

Excerpts from Naka Power Utilities NWT chief executive officer Cathy MacDonald’s presentation:

“The recipient of this year’s award won for many reasons. The nominators said they have excellent working relationships with other businesses, they’re actively recommending and supporting other local companies, showing dedication to the future of our skilled trades community, and exemplifying leadership, inclusivity and community engagement.”

Trailblazers Women in Business: Fireside Denture Clinic

Excerpts from Yellowknife deputy mayor Rob Warburton’s presentation:

“This year’s Trailblazers Women in Business nominee is an inspiring entrepreneur from Yellowknife who has built a thriving business from the ground up. She identified a critical gap in services in our community and turned her vision into reality, working through challenges and creating opportunities when others didn’t step up.

“Through innovation, determination and leadership, she has expanded her business, invested in new technologies and advocated for positive change in her field. Her journey is a testament to what’s possible with heart, courage and commitment. The winner is Fireside Denture Clinic.”

Employer of the Year: Northern Industrial Construction

Excerpts from Collège Nordique executive director Patrick Arsenault’s presentation:

“Their commitment to employees and the communities they serve is at the heart of everything they do. They create opportunities for training, mentorship and advancement, ensuring employees don’t just find a job with them but that they build a sustainable career.

“Numerous comments were sent in supporting materials from their employees, which included – and these are quotes – ‘the company fosters a safe, supportive and inclusive workplace, prioritizing professional development, fair compensation and open communication at all levels. It celebrates diversity. They truly look after their people.’

“From fair pay and great benefits to training, mentorship and a real focus on work-life balance, they show every day that their team is their greatest asset. The winner is Northern Industrial Construction.”

Small Business of the Year: North Shore Towing

Excerpts from Prosper NWT chief executive officer Joyce Taylor’s presentation:

“This year’s recipient has earned a reputation for reliability, professionalism and dedication in a demanding industry for the North.

“Whether supporting essential industries, helping families in need or responding in extreme conditions, they’ve shown what it means to go above and beyond for their clients and their community. They continue to invest in their people, equipment and safety systems, setting the standard for excellence while providing meaningful local employment.

“Beyond their business success, they give back generously to their community through sponsorships and volunteer work and they support local events. It is my pleasure to present the Small Business of the Year award to North Shore Towing.”

Large Business of the Year: Buffalo Airways

Excerpts from Business Development Bank of Canada senior account manager Mark Matheson’s presentation:

“They recently had an expansion with major investment that boosted their supply chain resilience for northern communities. They are investing in the future by training the next generation of their staff to combat wildfires. They purchased a piece of training equipment that will provide localized, specialized training that was previously only available in distant locations.

“Some comments from the nominators themselves: ‘This business’s reliability, responsiveness and cultural sensitivity makes them not only a strong business partner, but also a trusted ally in community development. They’ve consistently gone above and beyond their business obligations, playing a pivotal role in supporting local events, cultural initiatives and charitable causes across the Territories. From sponsoring youth programs and school events to assisting with logistics for regional gatherings and donation drives, they have shown a deep respect for the people and culture of this region.’ And the winner is Buffalo Airways.”

Customer Service Award of Excellence (People’s Choice): Chateau Nova Yellowknife

Excerpts from Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link general manager Deanna Cornfield’s presentation:

“I want to recognize all of tonight’s nominees and outstanding customer service professionals across the North – it is a very long list. Your commitment to excellence and your efforts to go the extra mile truly stand out and deserve to be celebrated.

“The Customer Service Award of Excellence is given to a business that is best demonstrating outstanding customer service in their everyday business and leadership in setting high customer service standards for Yellowknife. This award was not judged, but was voted on by the general public … The winner this year is Chateau Nova.”

Editor’s note: The author of this article was the MC of the 2025 Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.