The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has introduced a new Encampment Response Framework to guide departments, agencies, and partners in responding to encampments in Yellowknife. The Framework sets out a coordinated approach focused on safety, consistency, outreach, and connecting residents with available services and supports.

Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories, issued the following statement today regarding the Government of the Northwest Territories’ approach to encampments in Yellowknife and the completion of a new Encampment Response Framework.

“Encampments are not safe, stable, or sustainable housing, and are not the future we want for anyone experiencing homelessness in the Northwest Territories.

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Mr. Speaker, the lack of adequate housing remains one of the most significant challenges facing the Northwest Territories today. Across our territory, too many residents face barriers to safe, suitable, and affordable housing.

The findings of the Territorial Housing Needs Assessment confirm what we are hearing in our communities: that Elders, seniors, singles, and vulnerable residents are disproportionately affected by core housing need and are at increased risk of homelessness.

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Mr. Speaker, housing insecurity remains a significant challenge across the Northwest Territories, and understanding its full scope is essential. Through an empathetic, collaborative approach, strong partnerships, and continued coordination, we are working to advance the priorities in the government’s strategic response to homelessness, titled ‘A Way Home’, to better support individuals facing housing challenges.

A partnership between Housing NWT and the Fort Smith Métis Council is bringing a new social housing duplex to Fort Smith while building capacity in the local construction sector and providing business opportunities for local contractors.

Construction is well underway on two new Housing NWT modular duplexes for Fort Simpson, which are expected to be delivered to the community later this summer.

Fort Simpson is the first of nine communities scheduled to receive new modular duplexes and/or fourplexes through a project that will replace social housing units that have reached the end of their design life.

Five new modular housing units are now in Behchokǫ̀ for on-site assembly, marking the final phase of construction before the homes are ready for occupancy. These new units will replace existing Housing NWT units that have reached the end of their service life and will provide safe, accessible and energy-efficient social housing in the community.

This project includes a new three-bedroom modular home and a modular fourplex with singles units. The homes are the result of a partnership between Housing NWT, Tłı̨chǫ Community Builders Ltd. and METCAN Building Solutions Inc.

Housing NWT has completed construction of a new three-bedroom modular duplex in Paulatuk, adding two new social housing units. These units replace homes that had reached the end of their service life, ensuring continued access to safe and suitable housing for families in the community. This project is part of ongoing efforts to address housing needs and support families across the Beaufort Delta region.

Applications are now open for the Housing NWT Memorial Scholarships to support residents of the Northwest Territories pursuing post-secondary education in a field related to housing.

Applications are open until May 31, 2026, for the following scholarships:

As of today, smoking is no longer permitted in all Housing NWT owned-and-operated units, including social housing. This change is part of the GNWT’s commitment to ensuring a healthier, safer living environment for all residents.