What’s available in Yellowknife for Hay River evacuees?

Hay River evacuees arriving in Yellowknife are being asked to head directly to the city’s multiplex to register. Hundreds of cots are set up and food is available.

Staff arrived to prepare the multiplex at 2am on Thursday. By 8:30am, around 375 cots had been established in the facility’s two arenas. Officials said around 30 people had arrived at the multiplex by that point.

A larger convoy of evacuees is expected later in the day.

A bulletin board in the facility’s foyer has been established and will contain important information about services available to evacuees.

Officials at the multiplex said the city’s Great Slave Animal Hospital is arranging help for residents who have brought pets with them as they escape the flood. Check the board for information as the morning goes on.

Yellowknife business Happy Pooch said it would offer free pet boarding for flood victims, for pets who are friendly with humans and vaccinated. Capacity is limited, call (867) 446-3569 to check availability. The NWT SPCA said it had a little room but wasn’t prepared to take animals in large numbers. Qimmiq and YK Kennels have each suggested they have some availability. Borealis Kennels, on 873-3688, has several kennels available for small to medium-sized dogs and space for cats. Fort Providence has also offered kennel space for evacuees on the way to Yellowknife, call the hamlet office at 867-699-3441.

The City of Yellowknife released the following guidance shortly after 12pm for people looking to help:

“If your community group would like to host an activity or event for evacuees, please contact the City at events@yellowknife.ca so that events can be coordinated.

“If your business would like to provide assistance, please contact the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce at executivedirector@ykchamber.com so that efforts can be coordinated.

“Individuals who wish to help are encouraged to make cash donations as material donations create logistical problems for emergency agencies trying to meet the demands of this serious incident.”

We’ve also set up a Facebook post where people can volunteer services.

Staff say residents of Yellowknife who have extra bed space available, particularly to help accommodate families so they don’t have to use the multiplex for days, should come forward.

A precise means of volunteering accommodation has yet to be established, but the bulletin board in the multiplex foyer may be a useful starting point for Yellowknifers wishing to advertise space.