The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced today its commitment to supporting fire evacuees from Hay River and K'atlodeeche First Nation through a donation matching program through the United Way NWT. The GNWT will match donations up to $150,000, providing critical assistance to those affected by the ongoing community evacuations.
Communities remain lead on response activities. Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations are fully activated and providing resources for planning, coordination, and support to community emergency management operations.
Communities remain lead on response activities. Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations are fully activated and providing resources for planning, coordination, and support to community emergency management operations.
Media is invited to join the departments of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) and Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) for an update on the wildfire situation near Hay River and the K’atl’odeeche First Nation, and the status of evacuation orders for both communities.
ECC & MACA Minister Shane Thompson, wildfire information officer Mike Westwick with ECC, and Emergency Management Organization (EMO) information officer Jay Boast with MACA, will provide updates and answer questions.
TIME: 10:00am MST
DATE: Thursday, May 18, 2023
A local emergency response is underway in Hay River and K'atl'odeeche First Nation, and the situation is changing rapidly.
Premier Caroline Cochrane and Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and Environment and Climate Change Shane Thompson issued the following statement today regarding the evacuations of Hay River and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation due to an ongoing wildfire in the area:
“This weekend, an aggressive wildfire forced residents of Hay River and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation to evacuate their homes. The situation is evolving rapidly, and it is critical that residents not return to their communities at this time.
All residents are asked to please avoid the area until further notice.
Registration is taking place both at the Hay River Community Centre and the Yellowknife Multiplex. Those requiring assistance leaving Hay River should register at the Hay River Community Centre.
An Evacuation Order has been issued notifying residents that due to a wildfire near the community, all residents of Kátł’odeeche must evacuate immediately.
All residents are asked to please avoid the area until further notice.
At 9:55 a.m. on May 10, 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) – in partnership with RCMP G Division – will issue a live test of NWT Alert as part of Emergency Preparedness Week. NWT Alert is the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) public alerting system. Residents may see and hear the public alert test on wireless devices, radio stations, and cable networks across the NWT.
The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) has determined that the Hamlet of Fort Resolution is experiencing financial and operational difficulties, and has provided the community government with formal notice of the intent to place the Hamlet under Administration.
This notice provides a 30-day consultation period before Administration would take effect. Under the authority provided in section 159 of the Hamlets Act, the Minister has the ability to release council from their duties and appoint a Municipal Administrator.
