Yellowknife encampment residents say they feel more supported after moving to new spot

A downtown Yellowknife tent encampment has moved about a kilometre northwest, near the territory's museum, and people staying there say the transition went smoothly.

Peter Adourian, the lawyer for the encampment's residents, said the move from an alley behind the liquor store happened about a week ago, after consultations and reaching an agreement with the N.W.T. government and the City of Yellowknife. 

"The next step, hopefully, is to have some services provided to them so that they can remain near the encampment and have all the things they need there," Adourian said.

Last week, Yellowknife city council passed a resolution surrounding encampment supports and public safety. The city resolution commits to supporting the encampment residents' health and safety by providing solid waste and sewage collection, but includes that the N.W.T. government would need to request and fund those initiatives.

Adourian said he believes discussions between the city and the territorial government about how to move forward with the requests will unfold over the next two weeks. 

CBC News requested an interview with the territorial Department of Municipal and Community Affairs as well as the City of Yellowknife but did not receive a response by deadline.

Adourian noted that while the encampment is a temporary solution, it's a good opportunity to see collaboration between the territorial government and homeless people, in comparison to how he's seen encampment situations handled elsewhere in Canada.

"I believe if they have a voice at that table, then the services that are provided will be more effective," he said.

Heather Henderson-Powder, who is staying at the encampment, said she has also noticed a shift around how some in Yellowknife view the encampment this summer, compared to last year when tents were also set up downtown.

"I've noticed that, last year, how they looked at this situation was just kind of, nose in the air and didn't care. They were doing something about it, against it … But now I feel like there's gonna be more of a change to that system," said Henderson-Powder.

She said she prefers the current spot to shelters.

"It's just like being out on the land. Almost reminds me of being out in the bush." 

Craig Strachan, another resident of the encampment who has played a large part in organizing it, said he sees the spot by the museum as a good fit. He said that services like electricity and waste disposal would be helpful. Right now, he said, water is also a main priority, given the distance to transport water from downtown.

Strachan said they currently have around 16 water jugs and four fire extinguishers. He said fire safety is top of mind, since many of the people staying near the museum are in the forested area.

Adourian and residents say the number of people staying there fluctuates on a nightly basis, anywhere from five to 12 or more people.

Adourian said he expects local organizers to set out a co-ordinated donation system over the summer.

As for how the public has reacted to the new shelter set up, Strachan said a couple people, seemingly tourists, have stopped to ask about it.

"There's been a few people, you know, they wanna know what's going on and you know, they're not from around here and they wanna know what the problem is here."