During the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is particularly important that each one of us take all possible precautions to prevent wildfire. Limiting the number of human-caused or preventable fires helps reduce the risk of exposure to fire crews and the public. Wildfire prevention efforts can also increase public safety, reduce the impacts on values-at-risk and limit the cost of fire response.
Providing supports for those experiencing homelessness and addiction has been a focus throughout the COVID-19 response in the Northwest Territories.
Today those support options have grown with the opening of the new Yellowknife Women’s Centre individual housing suites and the return of regular programming at the Yellowknife Day and Sobering Centre.
Yellowknife Women’s Centre Transitional Housing
With most winter roads and ice crossings now closed, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)
reminds drivers that it is unsafe and illegal to drive on closed winter roads.
Doing so can endanger your life, the lives of others, and your vehicle.
The GNWT understands that winter roads serve as an important access point to many cabins and other outdoor areas. However, safety is always
Minister Katrina Nokleby issued the following media statement today on doing business with the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT):
“The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) continues to find ways to manage the impact of COVID-19 on the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) economy. We know businesses—big and small—are concerned about how they are being impacted.
Shane Thompson, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR), announced new funding today to support recycling depots and processing centres during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
This financial support will help offset costs directly associated with loss of income to operators since the closure of recycling depots on March 19, 2020 due to COVID-19.
For processing centres, a one-time payment of $5,000 will be provided while staff and operators explore federal funding opportunities.
As the spring melt and break-up approach so does flood season in the NWT. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to be prepared.
The communities of Hay River, Fort Simpson, Fort Liard, Nahanni Butte, Tulita, Fort Good Hope, Fort McPherson, Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk are all in flood prone areas and residents in these communities are encouraged to take steps to ensure they are prepared and protected.
Good afternoon.
This week, we’ve been focused on planning for emerging gradually, and safely, from our current levels of public health restrictions.
The changes we’ve introduced to our Public Health Orders this week are allowing us to consider taking these first steps.
Because if we can track those entering our territory when they’re at highest-risk of transmission, and keep our boundaries strong, we can bring more freedom and stability to our residents as we continue our response to this virus.
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 territory-wide Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency have been extended in the Northwest Territories. Both extensions will take effect as of April 29, 2020 and expire on May 12, 2020.
These extensions are due to the continued need for response to the COVID-19 global pandemic to protect public health in the Northwest Territories and do not indicate a significant change in circumstances or an increased risk to the people of the NWT.
On April 30th 2020, Northwest Territories (NWT) residents will receive their second NWT Cost of Living Offset payment in the amount of $52.00 per adult and $60.00 per child under the age of 18. For example, a family of two adults and two children will receive $224.00. For a child in shared custody each parent will receive one-half of the benefit for the child.
The NWT Cost of Living Offset (COLO) is a benefit paid to individuals and families living in the NWT to help offset the cost of the NWT carbon tax. The benefit is tax-free to NWT residents and families.
