The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has awarded a contract to The Yellowknife Women’s Society to operate its new transitional housing facility. The facility will be located on Highway 3 near the Yellowknife Airport.

Expected to begin operations in December 2025, the facility will accommodate up to 24 individuals and will provide a structured environment that bridges the gap between homelessness and permanent housing. The Yellowknife Women’s Society will deliver programming and services at the facility, such as case management, life skills development, and help with employment, income assistance, and housing applications. The contract also requires the operator to provide safe transportation for residents to and from the facility so residents can access services and supports in the City. The GNWT will work closely with the operator to connect these services with existing supports to ensure the safe delivery of the program. 

The facility is made up of modular units assembled into a single building. It includes private bedrooms, a shared kitchen and dining areas, recreation space, laundry facilities, and office space. Safety features such as secure entry, fencing, and surveillance cameras will also be in place to ensure a supportive environment for residents.

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“This new transitional housing facility represents a meaningful step forward in supporting residents experiencing homelessness. It offers a safe and stable place to stay, and the services and supports people need to move toward long-term housing and wellness. We know that some residents face barriers with existing shelter options, and transitional housing helps address those concerns. I look forward to the Yellowknife Women's Society delivering this much needed support. At the same time, we remain focused on investing in the solutions that communities have been asking for, including more transitional and public housing, because everyone deserves a reliable place to call home.”

- Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing NWT

Quick facts

• The GNWT issued two Requests for Proposals in 2025: one for the structure and one for the operator. The GNWT awarded a contract with Paul Bros Nextreme Inc. for the procurement, transport and assembly of the facility.
• The facility is located across from the Yellowknife Airport, adjacent to the Folk on the Rocks parking lot.
• It is anticipated that the temporary facility will operate until April 1, 2028, at which time a permanent structure will be completed within Yellowknife City limits.
• The GNWT and Housing NWT fund safe and reliable shelters in Yellowknife through the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority, and working with NGO partners, such as the Salvation Army, YWCA, Yellowknife Women’s Society and Homebase.
• These shelters currently have capacity, but there are individuals that choose not to access them. The GNWT recognizes that shelter services can come with a variety of barriers, including secure storage, hours of intake, and gender segregation. The GNWT remains committed to working toward understanding and addressing these barriers in partnership with NGOs.

Related links

• A Way Home: a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness in the NWT
• GNWT launches new transitional housing initiative in Yellowknife

For media requests, please contact:
Jeanne Gard
Manager, Communications
Housing NWT
Government of the Northwest Territories
Email: NWTHC_Comms@gov.nt.ca