Yellowknife, N.W.T. - It was perhaps the worst-kept secret in the city, but councillor Mark Heyck made it official on Wednesday - he's running for mayor.

Heyck, who has served the last six years as deputy mayor, brings to three the number of people who have confirmed their candidacy for the city's top job following fellow councillor Paul Falvo and Tim Doyle, the executive director of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce.

Heyck said he took the time first to talk to his family and consider the implications of running.

“It’s a big job and a very time-consuming job,” he said. “Candidates need to be prepared to really commit themselves to getting into it.”

One of Heyck's hopes is to lower the cost of living by introducing local improvement charges for retrofit projects, something he said has been a success wherever it's been implemented.

“The cost savings on a month-to-month basis are greater than the amount that has to be paid back through a tax bill,” he said. “Residents or businesses will actually save money month-to-month to improve their home or business.”

He also wants to prioritize infrastructure investment and provide sustainability for the city in the long term.

Mayor Gordon van Tighem announced this past winter he would not seek a fifth term.

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