Yellowknife — April 22, 2021
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) advises Northwest Territories (NWT) residents that they can continue to travel in and out of the NWT at the Fort Smith border checkpoint without having to submit a Self-Isolation Plan or self-isolate upon entry to the NWT, in accordance with the Fort Smith Border Protocol.
In the summer of 2020, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) implemented a checkpoint and pass system at the NWT-Alberta border in the Fort Smith area to maintain protections for COVID-19 in the NWT, while respecting deep ties between communities on either side. The border checkpoint in this area is busy, typically averaging over 300 crossings by vehicles per week.
As spring weather arrives and camping season approaches, this checkpoint and pass system remain in place. The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has recognized the situation of Fort Smith and surrounding area is significantly different than anywhere else in the NWT. As a result, requirements related to travel in the area are also different.
The Fort Smith Border Protocol includes a pass system for residents from the NWT and Alberta representing various situations and activities commonly shared between Fort Smith, Fort Fitzgerald, Smith’s Landing, and other nearby communities. It also includes travel to and from Wood Buffalo National Park, including the Pine Lake area, Grosbeak Lake Trail and Salt River Day-Use Area. Passes may be easily picked up at the NWT-Alberta border and no advance call or notification is required.
Anyone travelling south of the road system in Wood Buffalo National Park is required to submit a Self-Isolation Plan and self-isolate upon entry to the NWT.
For more information about COVID-19 and visiting Wood Buffalo National Park, call (867) 872-7960 or email pc.woodbuffaloinfo-infowoodbuffalo.pc@canada.ca
For more information on travel requirements at the NWT-Alberta border in the Fort Smith area, contact 811 or email protectnwt@gov.nt.ca.
Media Requests, please contact:
Darren Campbell
Manager, COVID-19 Communications
Health and Social Services
COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat
Government of the Northwest Territories