The territorial government says it will open a temporary transitional housing facility just outside Yellowknife on Highway 3 across from the city鈥檚 airport and next to the Folk on the Rocks parking lot.

According to a press release from the GNWT earlier this week, the facility will house up to 25 people to help them move from homelessness to stable, long-term housing. 

While no opening date has been announced, the GNWT stated it has signed a three-year lease for the site and plans to issue two requests for proposals this year. One of those requests, expected to happen this month, seeks a contractor to set up the modular structure while the other, coming in July, is for a program operator.

According to the GNWT, staff will occupy the facility around the clock with a total of 25 individual bedrooms along with shared amenities. Security measures will include controlled entry points, fencing, and surveillance cameras, the government added.

The GNWT said the site was chosen in part due to its distance from the downtown core, offering residents a quieter environment and less risk of exposure to substance use triggers. It has also committed to working closely with Folk on the Rocks and Yellowknife Pride to ensure continued access to the area and address any concerns.

鈥淭he GNWT is committed to minimizing any impact on nearby recreational activities and community events,鈥� the release stated.

The release adds that an interagency committee will be established to help with coordinating services and helping develop policies to ensure safe program delivery. 

In the long-term, the GNWT added it鈥檚 goal is to establish permanent transitional housing options before the current lease ends.