There are currently higher-than-normal water levels on the Tazin and Talston Rivers – and this could impact NWT residents and land-users.

Although there are no NWT communities downstream on the Tazin or Taltson Rivers; there are cabins and camps and the water levels may put them at risk.

The Taltson currently sits at about 0.5 metres lower than the record high water level last fall and water level and flow in the Tazin have not decreased as expected. This could result in sustained high water in the Taltson River during freeze-up.

On October 18th, The Department of Health and Social Services, in conjunction with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, introduced a new COVID 19 at-home student screening program to help protect the unvaccinated NWT student population (ages 5-11).

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and the City of Yellowknife have been, and continue to, work collaboratively to protect the health and safety of residents in responding to emergencies.

The Government of the Northwest Territories and the City of Yellowknife want to jointly assure the residents of Yellowknife that if you need emergency services, you should call either 9-1-1 or 2222.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green has extended the territory-wide Public Health Emergency under the Northwest Territories’ Public Health Act on the advice of Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) Dr. Kami Kandola.

The latest extension continues through November 9, 2021. 

The Public Health Emergency is required to continue to decisively respond to shifts in the NWT’s own public health situation, and maintain preventative measures.

The Department of Health and Social Services (HSS) is currently conducting a review of Supported Living (SL) services provided to adults with disabilities. 

HSS would like feedback through a survey on individuals’ experience with, or need for, supported living services. The information collected will inform the department about how to best meet the needs of NWT residents in the future.

A recent amendment to the Liquor Regulations will allow Northwest Territories’ (NWT) liquor stores to sell and provide home delivery of liquor to customers including those who are in isolation due to COVID-19.

All NWT liquor stores are now able to sell beer, wine and spirits for home delivery to customers residing in the community where the liquor store is located.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is announcing the opening of a new retail cannabis store, It’s 4:20 Somewhere, in Hay River.

Operating at 1-4 Courtoreille Street, the cannabis retailer was the successful proponent through the GNWT’s public procurement process and is designated to sell cannabis under the NWT Cannabis Products Act.

As of October 18, 2021, all qualified designated retail cannabis vendors are eligible to operate an online store to serve NWT customers. 

Currently, ReLeaf NT is the only active retail cannabis outlet interested in operating an online store for residents of the Northwest Territories. They also operate a brick-and-mortar cannabis store in Yellowknife.

The Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission (NTLCC) issued an expression of interest on July 11, 2021 to determine if current designated vendors were interested in operating online stores.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green has extended the territory-wide Public Health Emergency under the Northwest Territories’ Public Health Act on the advice of Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) Dr. Kami Kandola.

The latest extension continues through October 26, 2021. 

The Public Health Emergency is required to continue to decisively respond to shifts in the NWT’s own public health situation, and maintain preventative measures.

The Department of Health and Social Services and Minister Julie Green invite Yellowknife residents to a join them on Wednesday, September 29th at 7:30pm for an online discussion about the proposed temporary day shelter at 4709 Franklin Avenue in Yellowknife.

This town hall meeting is an opportunity for Yellowknife residents to learn more about the project, ask questions, outline any concerns they may have, or simply show their support.

More information about the meeting, as well as the link to join the town hall, can be found here: