The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking feedback on how contaminated sites are remediated across the territory.

The draft Environmental Guideline for Contaminated Site Remediation reflects the GNWT’s expanded scope of responsibility post-devolution, including current methodologies for contaminated site remediation and updated remediation criteria for some parameters.

The draft Guideline:

The current fire ban has been extended for all public and private lands in the South Slave Region – from the west of the Slave River at Fort Smith through Fort Resolution and stretching to the east to the border with the Dehcho Region.

This is effective through August 4 and may be extended if necessary. 

A fire ban is in place for all public and private lands in the North Slave Region. Affecting the following communities:

• Behchokǫ
• Dettah
• Gamètı̀
• łutsel k’e
• N'Dilo
• Wekweètı̀
• Whatı̀
• Yellowknife

This is effective through August 4 and may be extended if necessary. 
A map is attached showing the extent of the area these restrictions apply. They apply both in communities, and on the land.

The attached is being redistributed on behalf of the Conference of Management Authorities.

Green-blue algae found in Yellowknife Bay has been tested and is not a risk to residents’ health.

On Wednesday, July 18, the Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) received a spill report of an unidentified, green-blue substance on Great Slave Lake near Negus Point on Yellowknife Bay.

An ECC inspector, along with a Coast Guard officer, observed the spill area and determined there was no fuel discharge.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released its response to the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur (GMVF) Program Evaluation.

The GMVF Program supports traditional fur harvesters and participants in the traditional economy. Support is provided through access and promotion to the international fur market. The program also protects harvesters from unexpected market shifts and subsidizes costs of selling furs at auction.

Media is invited to receive an update on the wildfire burning near Highway 3 and Behchokǫ, the ongoing response to the wildfire, and resulting evacuation.

Premier Caroline Cochrane, Minister Shane Thompson, Minister Diane Archie, Minister Julie Green and program experts from multiple Government of the Northwest Territories departments will be available to answer questions.

DATE: Wednesday, July 26, 2023

TIME: 4:30pm MST

LOCATION: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

Please RSVP by 4:00pm to receive the link to the meeting.

The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

A fire ban is in place for all public and private lands in the South Slave Region – from the west of the Slave River at Fort Smith through Fort Resolution, and stretching to the east to the border with the Dehcho Region.

This is effective through July 28 and may be extended if necessary.  
This affects the following communities:

Environment and Climate Change Minister Shane Thompson issued the following statement today following the tragic death of a Fort Liard firefighter near the community on July 15, 2023:

“I am deeply saddened by the news that a Fort Liard firefighter has passed away from an injury sustained while fighting a wildfire near their community on Saturday afternoon.

“My thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this unimaginable tragedy.