Media Releases

City of Yellowknife Issues Evacuation Alert

The City of Yellowknife is issuing an Evacuation Alert for some areas of the city because of the real potential threat to public safety due to the Behchoko/Yellowknife wildfire (ZF015).
The Evacuation Alert is for the following areas:

• Kam Lake
• Grace Lake
• Engle Business District

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice du to changing conditions. Residents should be prepared of a potential need to evacuate your premises or...

City of Yellowknife Issues State of Local Emergency

The City of Yellowknife has declared a State of Local Emergency, under the NWT Emergency Management Act for our community at this time as a way to ensure it can exercise precautionary practices and acquire the equipment and resources needed to keep Yellowknife safe from the surrounding wildfires.

A State of Local Emergency is called when a community government determines additional powers are needed to take immediate action in an emergency. This includes taking over the use of vehicles or property...

Special Council Meeting - August 14, 2023 Agenda

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Municipal Corporation of the City of Yellowknife will hold a special meeting of Council at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 14, 2023 in the Council Chamber, City Hall.

The purpose of this meeting is to consider the following Motion:

• Declare a State of Local Emergency in accordance with the Emergency Management Act, given that wildfires are approaching the municipality.

This emergency meeting has been called by the City Manager of the City of Yellowknife...

City to Provide Update on Wildfire Situation

The City of Yellowknife will be offering a session for the media to ask questions to City staff on the ongoing wildfire situation around Yellowknife at in Council Chamber at City Hall today, Monday, August 14 at 5:15 p.m.

In attendance will be Mayor Rebecca Alty, City Manager, Sheila Bassi-Kellett, Director of Public Safety, Craig MacLean, and Fire Chief Nelson Johnson. Mike Westwick, the Information Officer for the Government of the Northwest Territories, will also be in attendance.

Deh Cho Boulevard Closed for Firesmarting

The City of Yellowknife would like to inform residents that portions of Deh Cho Boulevard will be closed to the public for firesmarting work. Local traffic will be permitted to access the area. 

As a result of firesmarting work in this area over the last several days, the City requested that residents to avoid the area and follow posted signage. However, residents continue to access this route, which delays our progress. Equipment must discontinue operations for each passing vehicle or pedestrian...