The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is moving forward with a new transitional housing initiative to help individuals experiencing homelessness access safe, stable housing and meaningful supports.

A temporary transitional housing facility will be established just outside Yellowknife, on Highway 3 across from the Yellowknife Airport and adjacent to the parking lot used for the annual Folk on the Rocks festival.

The GNWT has entered into a three-year lease for the site, with the goal of establishing permanent transitional housing options before the lease concludes. The new facility will accommodate up to 25 individuals and offer a supportive and structured environment designed to bridge the gap between homelessness and longer-term housing.

Transitional housing provides a stable environment where individuals can take meaningful steps forward in their lives. Unlike emergency shelters, which are intended for short-term stays, transitional housing offers residents private space, case management, and life skills programming that supports their transition to independent living. By helping residents address challenges that contributed to homelessness, transitional housing plays a key role in reducing chronic homelessness and supporting successful reintegration into the community.

After evaluating available sites, this location was selected as the only suitable option that could be developed in time to meet urgent needs. Its distance from the downtown core offers residents peace and quiet while reducing exposure to substance use triggers and negative influences. The site is also well-serviced, with accessible utilities that will minimize environmental disruption and reduce construction timelines.

The facility will consist of modular units assembled on-site to create 25 individual bedrooms, alongside shared spaces including a kitchen, dining area, recreation space, laundry facilities, and office space. Security measures such as secure entry points, fencing, and surveillance cameras will be in place to ensure a safe and supportive environment for residents.

The facility will be staffed 24 hours a day and provide wraparound supports to help residents stabilize, set goals, and prepare for independent living.

The GNWT is committed to minimizing any impact on nearby recreational activities and community events. GNWT staff will work closely with partners, including the Folk on the Rocks festival and Yellowknife Pride, to ensure continued access to recreational spaces wherever possible, and to address concerns through collaboration and planning.

To support the development and operation of the facility, the GNWT will issue two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in 2025: one in May for the provision and setup of the modular structure, and another in July for a program operator to deliver day-to-day programming and supports.

Quote

"Having access to safe, stable and supportive housing is essential to helping people move forward in their lives. This temporary facility will provide not only shelter, but a pathway toward healing, independence, and a future beyond homelessness. Through this work, we are offering support for healing and creating space for people to feel safe, regain stability, and begin rebuilding with dignity and hope."

— Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing NWT
 

Quick facts

• The transitional housing facility will create approximately 25 new housing spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness in Yellowknife.
• An interagency committee will be established to support the successful proponent(s) to coordinate services, streamline processes, and help develop policies and procedures that ensure safe and effective delivery of the program.
• The facility is intended as a temporary solution while the GNWT works toward permanent transitional housing options in the city.

Related links

• A Way Home: a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness in the NWT.

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