N.W.T. government creates on-the-land camp as shelters hit capacity

The Ingraham Trail in Yellowknife. The N.W.T. government says it’s launched a new program for people to have safe shelter in the community. (Randall McKenzie/CBC)

By RCI, CBC News

Camp located on the Ingraham Trail, can accommodate 20-30 people

With Yellowknife’s shelters operating beyond capacity, the N.W.T. government has created a 10-week camp intended to help house the city’s vulnerable populations.

Called the On-The-Land-Camp, the program will offer accommodation and essential support services for people experiencing homelessness, according to a news release Monday.

“The On-the-Land Camp is designed to alleviate pressure on the city’s shelter system by offering an alternative, abstinence-based environment focused on stability and wellness,” the government said in the release.

Earlier this year, more than 50 people were sleeping outside at a tent encampment in downtown Yellowknife.

To be operated by local NGO

The camp is located on the Ingraham Trail, outside of city limits, and can provide shelter for 20 to 30 people. It has dorm-style cabins heated by wood stoves, heated outhouses, showers and a kitchen.

The camp will be operated by a local NGO. The news release did not provide the name of the NGO.

It will also provide 24/7 emergency medical support, counselling and cultural programming.

The release said the estimated cost of the program is $642,000, with $635,000 coming from third party funds and $7,000 from the N.W.T. government.

Anyone living in Yellowknife who is 19 and older, “who can commit to an abstinence-based lifestyle, and are currently using shelters or sleeping rough” can apply to attend the camp through local service providers or by applying a the Integrated Service Delivery office at 4150 50th Avenue.

The N.W.T. government also recently announced funding for eight additional shelter beds at the Salvation Army in Yellowknife.

Directors of both the Salvation Army and Yellowknife Women’s Society have said their shelters are overcapacity and have been forced to turn people away for the night.