A newly established homeless encampment in Yellowknife, set up less than a week ago on a vacant lot at 49 Street and 52 Street, is scheduled to be dismantled by Monday. The site, owned by real estate developer Adrian Bell, was previously the location of the burned-down Polaris Apartments. About 15 people, led by Craig Strachan, are currently staying there, but they have agreed to leave by Sunday night following Bell’s request.
The encampment, which includes tents, a propane stove, and a communal kitchen area with donated supplies, was set up in response to increased homelessness in Yellowknife. The city has faced a surge in homelessness since last year’s evacuation, with shelters operating near or over capacity. The Salvation Army and other organizations are calling for a new temporary shelter to address the overflow.
Strachan and others at the encampment have received mixed reactions from the community. While some locals have supported their efforts, others have expressed concerns about safety and disturbances, including reports of harassment and drug use. Strachan plans to move the encampment to nearby crown land to avoid further eviction issues.
Colton Migwi, one of the encampment residents, shared his struggles with homelessness, highlighting the difficulty of finding stable accommodation and the harsh realities of living outdoors. Strachan aims to establish a new encampment that is both visible to the public and away from residential areas to minimize conflicts and raise awareness of the housing crisis.
Read the full story with accompanying video on CBC: