After a homeless tent encampment recently appeared in downtown Yellowknife, Mayor Rebecca Alty met with Premier R.J. Simpson and other GNWT Leaders to discuss new ways to tackle homelessness.
The City and GNWT are reaffirming their commitment to make sure that all city residents are safe and supported, which includes the homeless population. Under the “Cities, Towns and Villages Act” gives the City the authority to decide which land within the city can be used for public purposes, which includes housing. However, public housing such as emergency housing and transitional housing facilities fall outside of that legislative mandate.
The City is working with the GNWT to share information regarding housing and shelter for more vulnerable populations. Several initiatives have been shared which are designed to help the homeless community:
- Leading the Community Advisory Board on Homelessness (CAB). The purpose of the CAB is to recommend to Council the adoption of a Community Plan as well as advising on the Reaching Home funding allocations.
- Providing $4.3M in funding during the 2024/25 and 2025/2026 fiscal years to several NGOs who have mandates to provide shelter and services to the homeless population through the Community Advisory Board on Homelessness. This funding is specifically for the implementation of programs which contribute to increasing access to permanent housing, diverting people from homelessness and providing capital to upgrade shelter facilities. The City will continue to work collaboratively with organizations who provide services these to the homeless.
- Funding the Street Outreach Program, which is designed to increase safety for vulnerable members of the community by providing transportation and necessities. The City recently hired a contractor to review the Street Outreach Program.
- Organizing an annual Community Round Table on Homelessness. The purpose of the Round Table is for community members to have the opportunity to contribute their ideas and connect with others around housing solutions for Yellowknife.
- Allocating millions of dollars in federal funding to converting Aspen Apartments into non-market, supportive public housing.
- In 2022, the City provided $5 million in funding from the Rapid Housing Initiative plus a 5-year tax abatement to assist in the creation of affordable rental housing for at-risk individuals.
- In 2021, the City provided almost $900,000 to Home Base, through Reaching Home funding, to purchase YK Apartments.
- Supporting the GNWT strategy to address homelessness: “A Way Home: A Comprehensive Strategy to Address Homelessness in the Northwest Territories”.
The City is also working on multiple projects that are aiming to increase affordable housing for the general public. Land is being transferred to the GNWT for only one dollar, which will be used for the development of affordable housing. In2022, the City also donated four plots of land to Habitat for Humanity for the establishment of new homes. The City is also working on securing federal funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund which will attempt to remove systemic barriers to housing in the community.
