The Government of the Northwest Territories advises that demolition of the former Northern Frontier Visitors Centre is underway in Yellowknife.

The facility closed to the public in 2017 due to deterioration. Work is ongoing to determine future use of this important property.

For everyone’s health and safety, fencing has been added around the property and only authorized workers can enter.

Demolition schedule:

April 16-28: Selective interior demolition and salvage.

April 29-May 3: Building demolition.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) is now accepting funding applications from Northwest Territories (NWT) businesses and artists interested in manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as other non-medical products.

ITI will consider proposals that demonstrate a business case for the development of PPE and cloth face masks within the NWT.

Products include:

The Government of the Northwest Territories has opened a second intake of applications for low interest loans to support NWT businesses through the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing first-come-first-served basis.

Working Capital Loans of up to $25,000 (or more if need is clearly addressed) are available from the Government of the Northwest Territories, through the NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC).  

Minister Nokleby issued the following media statement today in support of small businesses in the NWT:

“Small businesses are a large and essential part of our Territory’s economy. They are critical to the structure and function of our communities and provide almost all of the products and services that we enjoy and rely on as Northerners.

Northwest Territories (NWT) Businesses are asked to complete the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment’s (ITI) COVID-19 Business Survey.

The data collected will help the Government of the Northwest Territories better understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on NWT businesses; and what supports and measures will be needed to support economic recovery.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) understands the importance of essential fuel deliveries for residents and businesses in northern communities. It has been a priority for the GNWT that this work continues uninterrupted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

First of all I want to recognize what you all already know, that all Northwest Territories businesses are making difficult decisions as they implement what is being asked of them to limit the spread of COVID-19 across our territory.

The Government of the Northwest Territories recognize this.  

We acknowledge that it is happening at a cost to business owners and entrepreneurs in the North; and we will continue to seek out, identify, and facilitate ways to support your efforts and address these challenges.

The Department of Industry, Tourism, and Investment (ITI) is postponing the opening of Northwest Territories parks.  An opening date for the 2020 park season has not been confirmed at this time.

The decision supports territory-wide efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the Northwest Territories.  It follows examples set by Parks Canada and other jurisdictions.

The Government of the Northwest Territories’ online reservation system will also remain closed until further notice.

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YELLOWKNIFE (April 10, 2020) – NWT Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola today took action to protect NWT residents with two new binding public health Orders.

The announcement comes after forming a new Compliance and Enforcement Taskforce to track down and investigate complaints about those not following the rules of the Public Health Act or public health Orders.

Order on Mines and Oil and Gas Remote Camps to Protect Against the COVID-19 Pandemic

Minister Nokleby issued the following media statement today concerning a letter of appeal submitted by the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Chamber of Mines and Yukon Chamber of Mines to the Government of Canada to support the mineral development and exploration industry across the North: