The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has introduced a new Encampment Response Framework to guide departments, agencies, and partners in responding to encampments in Yellowknife. The Framework sets out a coordinated approach focused on safety, consistency, outreach, and connecting residents with available services and supports.

The new Framework establishes a coordinated, multi-department approach that clarifies roles, responsibilities, decision-making and communication when encampments are identified. Through these procedures, GNWT departments and agencies work alongside the City of Yellowknife, the RCMP, Indigenous governments and community partners to ensure a consistent and respectful response that prioritizes the health and safety of residents and the broader community.

The GNWT recognizes that people living in encampments may be facing complex circumstances and may not be ready or able to access emergency shelters, transitional housing, or other available supports immediately. While the GNWT does not support encampments as a housing solution, it is committed to addressing homelessness in a way that is safe, respectful, and trauma-informed, while ensuring people living in encampments understand and have access to the services available to them. The GNWT’s roadmap to long-term solutions for housing instability are outlined in “A Way Home: A comprehensive Strategy to Address Homelessness in the Northwest Territories.”

Under the newly established procedures, Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) staff engage directly with encampment residents for wellness checks and to ensure they are aware of available supports and services, including emergency shelter options, transitional housing, and health and social supports. Residents are connected to services when requested, through voluntary and respectful engagement.  

The Framework also supports coordinated cleanup activities at encampment sites on Commissioner’s land where required, to remove waste and reduce potential health and safety risks. Cleanup work is carried out with a focus on compassion, dignity, and respect, including providing advance notice to residents where possible, prioritizing health and safety, and taking reasonable steps to avoid the removal of personal belongings.

Coordinated site visits have also begun in Yellowknife, involving GNWT staff, the City of Yellowknife’s Municipal Enforcement Division and Fire Department, the RCMP, and Line Drive Yellowknife. These visits support outreach, education, garbage management, information about responsible land use, and coordination between partners.

The GNWT remains committed to listening, learning, and adapting its response to encampments, while working with partners to reduce barriers, improve access to available supports, and advance longer-term solutions to homelessness.

Quote

“Encampments are not a safe, stable, or sustainable housing solution. Our goal is to help people move toward safer places to stay, with the trust, support, and services they need. This Framework helps ensure our response is coordinated, respectful, and focused on safety, outreach, and support. By working with partners, we can respond to community concerns, treat people living in encampments with dignity, connect them with safer housing options and services, and improve the continuum of housing and supports available over the longer term.”

- Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories

Quick facts

• A new GNWT Encampment Response Framework has been introduced to guide encampment response in Yellowknife.
• The Framework focuses on safety, consistency, outreach, and connecting residents with available services and supports.
• Housing NWT, GNWT departments and agencies, the City of Yellowknife, the RCMP, Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, service providers, and community partners all have roles in supporting a coordinated response.
• Outreach and service connections are ongoing for people living in encampments.
• Individuals can report a new encampment by calling Housing NWT at (833) 966-2281 or emailing NWTHC_Homelessness@gov.nt.ca 

Related links

• GNWT Encampment Response Framework
• Emergency Shelter Contact Information – For individuals who do not have a place to stay and are in immediate need of shelter
• A Way Home: A Comprehensive Strategy to Address Homelessness in the Northwest Territories

For media requests, please contact:
Communications
Policy and Planning
Housing NWT
Government of the Northwest Territories
NWTHC_Comms@gov.nt.ca