With a new encampment established in downtown Yellowknife, the NWT government issued a statement setting out how it will approach the issue this summer.
Last summer, encampments in multiple areas of the city generated attention from MLAs and advocacy groups, concern from some nearby residents and discussion of what action authorities should take.
At the time, encampment occupants had described wanting a site “where we can be seen and we’re out of the way at the same time.” Some residents and business owners said the encampment sites created conditions that led to harassment of people in the area and open drug use.
This month, residents of downtown Yellowknife described a new encampment being constructed in an alley behind one of the city’s liquor stores.
In emails sent to two ministers and copied to reporters on Friday afternoon, Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins wrote: “I just drove by, there were at least a dozen people partying, not to mention the half naked man walking around, and it appears to be growing and nothing is being done.
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“This is impacting the community area and businesses, this encampment needs a response and must go before it becomes entrenched.”
Hawkins told the ministers he had received “complaints about inaction from the government – including from several government employees, not to mention residents and the business community.”
In an email Hawkins provided, a resident – whose name the MLA had removed – writes to him: “While we understand the complex nature of homelessness and empathize with those who find themselves in such circumstances, the noise has been affecting the peace and quiet of our area particularly during the late hours. We believe that everyone has the right to a safe and peaceful living environment.”
The resident describes “a gentleman trying to link powerlines from atop of the liquor store and area to provide power to the tent” among other issues.
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‘Complex social and personal challenges’
In a Sunday press release, the NWT government said it was “aware of a new encampment established in Yellowknife” and set out the approach residents can expect the territory to take.
Firstly, the GNWT said, emergency shelter services are available and the territory is working with operators “to monitor capacity and respond to needs.” The territorial government said shelters have not exceeded their capacity since October last year, with the average occupancy rate at 87 percent.
“While shelter spaces are available and encouraged, we recognize that some individuals may choose not to access them, and we are actively working with partners to identify and address the barriers that prevent people from doing so,” the territory stated on Sunday.
“In the past, individuals have set up temporary tents on Commissioner’s Land in surrounding wooded areas, which can be done provided applicable regulations and bylaws are followed. This includes maintaining clean sites, no building of permanent structures, respecting shared use of public land, and complying with fire and waste safety guidelines.”
The territory said its staff “understand the concerns that may arise when encampments appear in the community.”
“These situations reflect complex social and personal challenges, and our response must be compassionate and respectful,” Sunday’s statement continued.
“The GNWT’s approach continues to focus on delivering wraparound supports, increasing transitional housing options, and working with community partners to build long-term, person-centered solutions.”
Lastly, the territorial government said residents “with specific public safety concerns are encouraged to contact Yellowknife Municipal Enforcement or the RCMP.”
