Craig “Gunner” Strachan and other residents of Yellowknife’s encampment near the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre are struggling with homelessness but prefer their tents to shelters. Strachan lost his belongings in a fire last week but is determined to rebuild and prepare for winter. The government, while acknowledging encampments’ risks, provides minimal support, citing safety concerns and limited resources. Strachan and fellow campers request basic supplies like fire extinguishers, fire retardant tarps, and insulated tents. However, the territorial government refuses, arguing that supporting encampments could set a precedent for others.
In October 2024, the city counted 327 homeless people, a sharp increase from 2021, with many opting to remain outside rather than stay in shelters. Legal advocate Peter Adourian has called for government intervention to prevent further fires and protect encampment residents. Housing N.W.T. Minister Lucy Kuptana, however, prefers to focus on expanding shelters and transitional housing rather than supporting encampments.
Experts, like Tim Richter from the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, argue that the focus should be on moving people into stable housing quickly, a solution that has worked in past crises. Indigenous leaders emphasize the need for Indigenous-led solutions to homelessness.
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